Alonso after the derby defeat: we did not expect to create 12 chances against Arsenal

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso believes Sunday evening's clash with Arsenal was tight and exciting from both sides, but admitted the defeat stung.

Chelsea struck early at the Emirates Stadium, new signing Morgan Rogers putting them ahead inside two minutes. Arsenal hit back to win with goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard.

Alonso told "Sky Sports" after the match: "The defeat is painful. It was a very intense match, with contrasting moments. We had chances to score, especially in the first half. No one is happy when they lose."

As reported by the "BBC", he added: "After we scored, we had to defend excessively for 15-20 minutes, and we struggled a little to regain control. Then things improved slightly after that."

His verdict continued: "Overall, it was a very close and very exciting match. We could have dealt better with the second goal we conceded. The players gave their all, and tried with everything they had. There is no doubt that the defeat is painful."

The Spanish manager pressed on: "It is about preparing in the best possible way to compete in the best possible way. You have to control the attacking pressure. These actions are part of the game. We will carry on. This is the third match, and it will be a long and hard journey."

Quizzed on Chelsea's approach to corners, he explained: "We make decisions, and we take the initiative to attack. We want to be effective and take the initiative to attack. Sometimes in set pieces, and sometimes we press hard in advanced or deep areas. I think this is what we need to compete in all phases. Today we came here to compete in the best possible way, and now we have to carry on in the same manner."

Asked what he had learned, he noted: "I learned about the game, about ourselves, about what we do, and what we begin with. The players have this spirit, and this desire to perform better match after match to create something we believe in. So far I am happy. We want to win matches, this is the ultimate goal."

On the shortage of midfield options, Alonso went on: "You have to deal with injuries, the team misses the injured player. The players who were with us gave their all. Today they tried with everything they had and gave everything they have."

Turning to the chances his side created, Alonso said: "It was not expected that we would create 12 chances in the match. They are difficult to beat, and it is difficult to create chances against them, but we had 3 or 4 chances to score more than one goal. This is an ongoing process. We are still at the beginning."

Clean sheets are next on the list. He added: "We want to start by keeping a clean sheet, and this will be achieved. The players are committed to hard work, and they know we are on the right track to compete in every match. We are not happy but we have to stay calm and move forward."

Pushed on whether it was too soon to say if Chelsea would both score and concede in bunches, he concluded: "It is too early to predict. The days will reveal that. We want to keep improving in certain aspects, and we want to continue delivering the same distinguished performance. Every match is a real battle, and we fought fiercely until the last moment. It is very important that we have this spirit, and that the team feels it. It gives us the strength to win matches."