Xabi Alonso learns crucial Chelsea transfer lesson in Arsenal defeat

Analysis

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Sunday afternoon was the first real test of Xabi Alonso’s career as Chelsea manager. After three wins on the trot to start the season, his side travelled to the reigning champions Arsenal to face a team many believe are already champions-elect for 2026-27.

After a frenetic start, in which Morgan Rogers put the Blues 1-0 up inside 90 seconds before a fine Kai Havertz strike levelled proceedings, Arsenal dominated possession, while Chelsea carried immense threat on the counter-attack, as they did against both Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion.

All things considered, the Gunners arguably just shaded it on the day, and they were deserving winners thanks to Martin Odegaard’s third goal of the season in the 50th minute.

However, Chelsea showed their class at the Emirates Stadium and it would come as little surprise to any keen observer if they are right in the Premier League title fight by the time May rolls around.

Current ETV

Moisés Caicedo 

DM, M (C)

Chelsea

Moisés Caicedo 

DM, M (C)

Chelsea

€98M

ETV Range

€88.2M - €107.8M

View full profile

Their midfield remains a glaring issue, of course, but that should be significantly negated once Moises Caicedo returns to full fitness after an injury-hit start to life under Alonso.

Their defensive woes will likely be fixed when Caicedo is integrated back into the starting XI, while the club still look incredibly dangerous in attack. Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro were both relatively quiet on Sunday, but they both displayed glimpses of their talent, and Rogers picked up the slack with an eye-catching performance on the left.

On the right, Alonso once again favoured Pedro Neto, with the Portugal international perfectly suited to playing as a hybrid wing-back who effectively becomes a right winger in possession.

However, despite his qualities as an athlete, Neto’s final ball has never been his strong suit in a Chelsea shirt and he once again left a lot to be desired at the Emirates. It’s unlikely that Alonso will drop the 26-year-old given his tactical flexibility is crucial to Chelsea’s current system, but it was abundantly clear that Estevao Willian added greater potency in attack upon his introduction into proceedings in the 81st minute.

Xabi Alonso learns crucial Estevao transfer lesson

Estevao has struggled for game time during the early weeks of the season, with Alonso unsurprisingly favouring a front three of Pedro, Palmer and Rogers, and rumours have suggested that he may even be keen to leave Chelsea in January if his opportunities continue to be restricted.

However, the teenager was a bright spark off the bench versus Arsenal, notably prompting David Raya to make an immense save following a fierce left-footed curling effort that seemed destined to hit the back of the net.

Neto remains far more astute out of possession than Estevao, which explains the Brazilian’s lack of action this term, but he doesn’t possess the same electric flair in the final-third.

Estevao constantly looked to create chances upon his introduction as a substitute at the Emirates, and his dynamism in attack could prove pivotal for Chelsea as they look to go deep in the title race this season.

The 18-year-old was a rare bright spark in a dismal 2025-26 campaign for Chelsea and he has already established himself as a fan’s favourite at Stamford Bridge, with supporters appreciative of his trickery and youthful exuberance on the right flank.

Enzo Maresca handled Estevao’s development well last season, with the Brazil starlet given a gradual introduction into senior football at Chelsea, but he is arguably now ready for a more prominent role in perhaps the best attack in England.

He may not warrant a guaranteed starting XI place given the quality at Alonso’s disposal, but Estevao should be a key figure for Chelsea this season and, thanks to his eye-catching cameo versus Arsenal, the Spaniard has now certainly learned that accepting a transfer offer in January should not be under consideration.

Estevao is one of the best young players in world football and it's time for Alonso to start utilising his skillset where possible, even if that means abandoning the 3-4-3 formation that he has favoured since his appointment in west London.