Alonso positive despite first Chelsea defeat

Xabi Alonso says Chelsea’s defeat at Arsenal will not affect the team’s mood or mindset going forward.

The Spaniard acknowledged the disappointment of the result but pointed to the tightness of the contest, and said his side had gone to the Emirates Stadium looking to play on the front foot rather than sit back.

Alonso also praised the effort and attitude of his players as they continue to adapt to his methods, three games into his time in charge.

“Not happy. It hurts. Disappointed, for sure. But this is our first defeat on the road,” said Alonso. “We know this is going to be a long way, and it doesn’t have a big impact on our mood and our mindset.”

“We didn’t want to sit deep and to wait and to make a long game. We wanted to be active, to be protagonists in the pressing.”

Morgan Rogers gave Chelsea an early lead but former Chelsea man Kai Havertz equalised and Martin Odegaard scored what turned out to be the winner.

“It’s game three of a new phase we are starting, but I’m happy with the spirit and the attitude from the players. They have given everything,” said Alonso.

“It was a very close game. Very intense. We had to have a really high level of concentration to be in the game, to be fighting.”