{"id":3486,"date":"2026-09-06T19:08:11","date_gmt":"2026-09-06T19:08:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=3486"},"modified":"2026-09-06T19:08:11","modified_gmt":"2026-09-06T19:08:11","slug":"martin-odegaard-gives-his-honest-assessment-of-chelsea-under-xabi-alonso","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=3486","title":{"rendered":"Martin Odegaard gives his honest assessment of Chelsea under Xabi Alonso"},"content":{"rendered":"


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It is fair to say that Martin Odegaard was impressed with Chelsea despite his Arsenal side beating them on Sunday.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Chelsea<\/a> got off to a flyer after Morgan Rogers, who was a target for Arsenal during the summer transfer window, put the visitors in front just two minutes in.<\/p>\n

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However, Kai Havertz managed to equalise before Odegaard scored the winner early in the second half. The attacking midfielder has since discussed how difficult it was to play against Xabi Alonso\u2019s<\/a> side.<\/p>\n

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Another defeat to Arsenal but not the worst performance. Who was our best player? Who needs to improve?<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Photo by Catherine Ivill \u2013 AMA\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

Martin Odegaard describes Chelsea as \u2018tough opponent\u2019<\/h2>\n

Odegaard has admitted that it was hard taking on Chelsea at the Emirates and has described them as a \u201ctough opponent\u201d.<\/p>\n

Speaking to Sky Sports<\/a> after the game, the 27-year-old said: \u201cIt was a massive game with a tough opponent. It was really hard for us \u2014 we got there in the end. Our mentality is to keep fighting. Conceding early wasn\u2019t ideal but we reacted really well. We played well in the second half and got our reward.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chelsea did make things difficult for Arsenal throughout. They were dangerous going forward and their shape was good; however, their defensive frailties were present and exposed. It is probably what will cost them this season and stop them from finishing close to Arsenal and Manchester City.<\/p>\n

The Blues\u2019 2-1 defeat to their London rivals means they have now conceded seven goals in just three games. That is far too many, especially for a team defending with a back five.<\/p>\n

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Photo by Stuart MacFarlane\/Arsenal FC via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once again, Moises Caicedo was unable to start and missed out on the matchday squad entirely, while Levi Colwill was dropped to the bench<\/a> because of a small fitness problem.<\/p>\n

When they are back and hit top form, hopefully that should help Chelsea to improve defensively.<\/p>\n

Acheampong came in for Colwill<\/a> and did not do a bad job. Unlike Enzo Maresca, Alonso seems prepared to give the youngster starting opportunities.<\/p>\n

This was Chelsea\u2019s first real test and perhaps the hardest they will face this season. Unfortunately, they could not get over the line, but there were some encouraging signs, and you would now fancy them to bounce back in upcoming games against Leeds United and Hull City.<\/p>\n

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