Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso conceded that his team fell well below expectations following a disappointing 2-0 home loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
Despite forging several clear-cut openings, the Blues were repeatedly thwarted by Spurs goalkeeper Antonín Kinský. The game slipped away from the hosts in the second half when an own goal from goalkeeper Mike Penders put Tottenham ahead, followed quickly by a second yellow card for Cole Palmer. Mathys Tel capped off the afternoon with a late second goal to condemn Chelsea to defeat.
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Reflecting on a display that paled in comparison to recent victories over Bournemouth and Everton, Alonso insisted that responsibility lies across the entire squad.
“We all take the blame for the result and for the performance,” Alonso stated post-match. “Today we were not at our best. I felt that in the second half, the game was even and could have gone either way. Once we conceded that first goal, and then with the red card, it was difficult.”
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“In the second half, it was tight, with some half-chances for them and half-chances for us. It was about taking a moment, and once we conceded the first goal, it conceded everything,” he added. “Then, when we wanted to have a reaction, we got the red card. Then it went the other way.”
The Spaniard emphasized that his side must use the setback as a learning opportunity moving forward: “We can do better. It’s one to reflect on after this big game against a good opponent. And as for the performance, it’s one we must improve.”
