Alonso warns Chelsea after thriller: “We sat too deep” after blazing start vs Brighton
Xabi Alonso has said Chelsea were punished for sitting too deep after almost blowing a three-goal lead against Brighton.
Chelsea claimed their second straight win of the new Premier League season after beating Brighton 4-3 at Stamford Bridge.
The West Londoners led 3-0 inside 32 minutes as Romeo Lavia, Pedro Neto and former Seagulls striker Joao Pedro all found the target, but retreated after their red-hot start at Stamford Bridge.
Malick Yalcouyé's thumping hit and a Pedro own goal brought Brighton back into the game, as the visitors dominated possession. Cole Palmer's fine finish eventually settled Chelsea nerves, before Pascal Gross added a consolation for Brighton in stoppage time.
Reflecting on the win, Alonso told BBC Match of the Day that he was pleased with the win, but pointed out areas in which his team must improve.
"Hard fought win but this is the Premier League. We knew that Brighton were tough to beat recently in these games. There was history. It was good to finish with the win but many things happened. We will have time to analyse different stages.
"It was a brilliant first half hour. We could have scored more than three. But we were sitting too deep after that. But this is a process. We need to develop with these wins which give you the confidence."
Alonso handed a debut to Emi Martinez in goal, who completed his £7.5m move from Aston Villa this weekend. The Chelsea boss said he is happy with his squad but suggested more signings could arrive before Tuesday's transfer deadline.
"It's great to have him [Martinez]. We saw that even today. Even if we conceded three goals, he had a straight impact and he helped the team really well. We are happy we have him.
"He is a great personality and a great goalkeeper. His expression and his charisma influence the rest of the team.
"We will see what happens [with further signings]. We are ready for whatever. Most important is the team. And however we finish on Tuesday, I am happy it will be a good squad to compete this season."
