“Strange one” – Former Arsenal player can’t understand Alonso’s big lineup decision

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown questioned Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso's lineup choices following an injury to Joao Pedro. Speaking on Match of the Day, Keown expressed confusion over Alonso's decision to deploy Morgan Rogers as a central striker instead of starting Danny Welbeck. Talk Chelsea noted that Rogers struggled to make an impact against Tottenham Hotspur, winning only 18% of his duels.

Alonso also placed Geovany Quenda on the left wing and delayed bringing Welbeck on after a red card occurred. Pundits and Talk Chelsea criticised Chelsea's overall tactical setup as overly passive during the match against their rivals. Following the game, Alonso addressed a mistake made by goalkeeper Mike Penders and pledged to help the youngster recover.