Chelsea Are Starting to Look Like a Real Xabi Alonso Team as Set-Piece Numbers Rise

Chelsea are beginning to show clear signs of progress under Xabi Alonso, and the latest attacking numbers suggest that the Blues are gradually developing the identity their new manager wants.

It may still be early in the season, but there is already something different about Chelsea. The team is becoming more dangerous in attacking situations, while their work on set pieces is starting to produce noticeable results.

With Alonso working alongside set-piece coach Austin MacPhee, Chelsea have quickly become one of the Premier League’s most dangerous teams from dead-ball situations.

And the numbers make interesting reading.

Chelsea Leading the Premier League for Set-Piece Goals

Chelsea currently lead the Premier League for set-piece goals with four, putting them ahead of Brighton, Hull City and Leeds United, who have three each.

The current numbers are:

• 🔵 Chelsea — 4 set-piece goals
• 🔵 Brighton — 3
• 🔵 Hull City — 3
• 🔵 Leeds United — 3
• 🔵 Everton — 2

For Chelsea supporters, this is an encouraging development.

Set pieces can often make the difference in tight Premier League matches, particularly against teams that defend deep and make it difficult to create clear chances from open play.

Chelsea appear to be making better use of those opportunities, and that could become an important part of Alonso’s tactical approach as the season progresses.

Alonso’s Chelsea Are Also Among the Highest Scorers

Chelsea’s progress is not limited to set pieces.

The Blues have also made a strong start in terms of overall Premier League goals, with 10 goals to their name.

Only Brighton, with 13, have scored more among the teams listed.

The current numbers are:

• 🔵 Brighton — 13 goals
• 🔵 Chelsea — 10
• 🔵 Manchester City — 8
• 🔴 Arsenal — 8

That attacking output gives Chelsea fans another reason to be encouraged.

Under Alonso, Chelsea are expected to become a team capable of controlling games while also creating different ways to hurt opponents. Their early goal numbers suggest that the attacking side of the project is beginning to move in the right direction.

Austin MacPhee’s Influence Is Already Being Felt

One of the interesting aspects of Chelsea’s new setup is the involvement of Austin MacPhee in set-piece coaching.

Set pieces can sometimes be overlooked when discussing a team’s tactics, but they are an important source of goals at the highest level.

Corners, free-kicks and attacking routines can provide teams with opportunities when open-play attacks are not producing enough.

Chelsea’s four set-piece goals indicate that the work on the training ground is already having an impact on the pitch.

Of course, it is too early to say exactly how many goals Chelsea will score from set pieces across the entire season. However, making a strong start in this area gives Alonso another attacking weapon to work with.

Chelsea Still Have Defensive Work to Do

Despite the encouraging attacking numbers, Chelsea are not a finished product.

There are still areas of the team that need improvement, particularly defensively.

Scoring goals is only one part of building a successful Premier League side. Chelsea will also need to become more consistent without the ball, reduce unnecessary mistakes and find greater defensive stability if they want to compete at the highest level.

That is where Alonso’s work will become even more important.

The Spanish coach has inherited a squad with plenty of attacking talent, but turning that talent into a balanced and consistent team will take time.

The early signs are promising in attack, but Chelsea supporters will want to see the same level of improvement at the other end of the pitch.

Is the Xabi Alonso Project Starting to Take Shape?

There is still a long way to go, but Chelsea are beginning to show characteristics associated with Alonso’s approach.

The team is scoring goals.

The Blues are dangerous from set pieces.

And there are signs that the players are becoming more comfortable with the ideas being introduced by the new coaching staff.

That does not mean Chelsea have suddenly solved every problem.

Football rarely works that way.

A new manager needs time for his tactical ideas to become second nature, especially when working with a squad containing players with different profiles and levels of experience.

But if Chelsea can continue improving their attacking numbers while becoming more reliable defensively, the picture could become increasingly interesting as the season develops.

Can Chelsea Turn Early Progress Into a Serious Challenge?

The biggest question now is whether these early signs can be turned into sustained performances.

Chelsea supporters will understandably be excited whenever the numbers point in a positive direction, but consistency will ultimately be the key.

A strong attack, dangerous set pieces and Alonso’s tactical ideas could give Chelsea several ways to win football matches.

However, the Blues will need to maintain that level against the Premier League’s strongest sides and avoid the defensive problems that can undo good attacking performances.

For now, though, Chelsea are giving their supporters something to talk about.

The Alonso era is still developing, but the early attacking statistics suggest that the new manager’s influence is beginning to appear on the pitch.

And if Chelsea continue to improve, the conversation around Alonso and his team could become even bigger in the weeks ahead.

Chelsea Fans, What Would You Fix First?

If you could change ONE thing about Chelsea right now, what would it be?

🔵 DEFENCE
🔵 MIDFIELD
🔵 ATTACK