There were plenty of positives from Chelsea\u2019s defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, but one concern was the performance of Wesley Fofana. The Blues defender struggled on the left of the back three.<\/strong><\/p>\n Xabi Alonso<\/a> changed his back three once again. Levi Colwill had a problem that prevented the England star from starting<\/a>, and it saw Alonso bring Josh Acheampong back into the side, pushing Fofana<\/a> over.<\/p>\n He looked uncomfortable from start to finish. It didn\u2019t suit the Frenchman, who was easily beaten by Kai Havertz for Arsenal\u2019s first and failed to make an interception for the winner, scored by Martin Odegaard.<\/p>\n Chelsea fans are growing frustrated with their \u00a370m defender, with the former Leicester man failing to live up to his price tag. Injuries have played their part, but so have the mistakes he consistently makes.<\/p>\n Speaking on The Dressing Room podcast<\/a>, Carlton Cole<\/a> was clearly frustrated with Fofana\u2019s performance against Arsenal. But his old Blues teammate Joe Cole<\/a> defended Fofana, underlining his injury problems.<\/p>\n While he didn\u2019t disagree that Fofana\u2019s performances are not good enough, he explained that a reason for that could be the extensive injuries he has suffered since his big-money move to Stamford Bridge.<\/p>\n Carlton Cole said: \u201cI\u2019ve got to say it. What\u2019s happened to Fofana?\u201d, prompting Joe Cole to reply: \u201cFofana struggles because he can\u2019t play regularly. You know how bad that is when you\u2019ve got a proper injury.\u201d<\/p>\n Wayne Bridge said: \u201cA bit like Ledley King, he had that for years\u201d, to which Cole continued: \u201cThat\u2019s why King was remarkable; by the end of my career, I could only train twice a week due to wear and tear.<\/p>\n \u201cFor players like Fofana, King, even yourself Coley [Carlton], where it happens a lot earlier, that has an effect \u2013 you have to train to sharpen your tools. It\u2019s horrible,\u201d Cole continued, defending Fofana.<\/p>\n Worryingly, 13 players ran more than Fofana \u2013 and he saw out the entire 90 minutes. Martin Odegaard ran the same distance as Fofana, a total of 9.6km, and yet Odegaard was taken off with 13 minutes to go.<\/p>\n That\u2019s not good enough. Of 13 duels, he won six \u2013 again, as a centre-back, not good enough. Maxence Lacroix won five of eight, but to lose seven is worrying. The one saving grace was Fofana\u2019s passing.<\/p>\n He completed the most passes for Chelsea (44\/48 \u2013 92%). But what good is a defender who can pass the ball but is making defensive mistakes and losing duels? Alonso needs to get to the bottom of it.<\/p>\n Next up for Chelsea and Alonso, the manager\u2019s fifth game in charge, is a third-round Carabao Cup game against Leeds. A side that took four points off Chelsea last season and their FA Cup semi-final opponents.<\/p>\n Leeds have made an excellent start to the season, remaining unbeaten despite two away games against Nottingham Forest and one against Brighton, only playing once at Elland Road \u2013 a draw against Brentford.<\/p>\n Alonso needs Chelsea to be solid to have any chance of beating Daniel Farke\u2019s side. Hopefully, Colwill will be fit enough to start. But Acheampong and Maxence Lacroix should absolutely start for Alonso\u2019s side.<\/p>\n![\"Arsenal](\"https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/09\/GettyImages-2293970903-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/div>Joe Cole defends Wesley Fofana, Ledley King comparison made<\/h2>\n
What do you make of Wesley Fofana in a Chelsea shirt? Is he good enough?\ud83e\udd14<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
![\"Everton](\"https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2267710580-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/div>![\"Arsenal](\"https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/09\/GettyImages-2293831894-1024x690.jpg\")
<\/div>Fofana\u2019s stats for Chelsea in defeat against Arsenal<\/h2>\n
Who should Xabi Alonso start in defence against Leeds United?<\/h2>\n