Last season's dilemma: Chelsea's defensive struggles in search of a solution

An ongoing negative streak

Chelsea's defensive crisis rumbles on. The Blues shipped two goals against Fulham in their opening game of the new 2026-2027 Premier League season, though they held on to win 3-2 on Monday evening.

Joao Pedro put the visitors ahead inside the first minute before Josh King levelled for Fulham on 23 minutes. New signing Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer then struck in the 41st and 49th minutes, and Gonzalo Garcia pulled one back for the hosts on 54 minutes.

Squawka's statistics tell the story: "Chelsea have failed to keep a clean sheet for the 17th consecutive Premier League match", a miserable run that lays bare their struggles at the back.

That sequence poses a major test for new manager Xabi Alonso. He must find urgent solutions to sharpen his defence if Chelsea are to challenge for the top places in the Premier League.