Xabi Alonso’s has a lot of thinking to do after Sunderland expose ongoing tactical dilemma

Writer Kwaku Osafo argues that Sunderland exposed Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso's ongoing tactical dilemma between open attacking play and controlled possession. Alonso shifted from a high-scoring, vulnerable setup toward a cautious style, but Chelsea struggled to penetrate Sunderland's low defensive block. The Black Cats secured a 1-0 victory courtesy of Enzo Le Fée's 36th-minute penalty after Brian Brobbey drew a foul from Levi Colwill.

Osafo notes that Chelsea held 69% possession but managed only one big chance, leaving Alonso searching for attacking creativity against compact defenses. The article highlights that Chelsea's struggles to break down deep blocks and defend counter-attacks persist despite starting Jordan Henderson, Moisés Caicedo, and Roméo Lavia together.