Alonso sets clean-sheet target after Chelsea victory
Xabi Alonso is targeting at least 10 clean sheets for Chelsea this season after their win at Everton ended a nine-month wait for one.
Pedro Neto scored both goals in a 2-0 victory for Alonso’s side, who were deserved winners.
And the Blues boss said: “It will be key when we are able to manage 10 clean sheets. The first one feels good and it was needed, but now the goal is to be consistent and to keep doing that.”
He added: “I’m really pleased with the performance, with the win, with the clean sheet.
“There are many positives to build from today. We knew it was going to be a hard challenge to win in this stadium, but we did many things to deserve the win.
“There were moments with throw-ins and corners, and you need to overcome those moments, knowing it’s very hard in the Premier League to have full control of the game for the whole match.
“But you don’t lose your shape. You don’t lose your conviction in the things you are doing. Today we did that really well.
“It’s one game. We need to repeat, and repeat, and again and again to know, but for sure the mentality was very good, because we knew it was not about playing nice.
“Sometimes it’s not just to play nice, it’s to play good. We played good football. We won many second balls. We knew how to be efficient in different situations.”
Chelsea played much of the second half with stand-in keeper Mike Penders in goal after Emiliano Martinez was stretchered off with a serious-looking head injury following a 75th-minute collision with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.
Alonso praised Penders, who again impressed when given a chance in the side.
“He did well. You could see what Mike is about. He has personality, he’s brave and we have full trust in him,” said Alonso.
He also singled out defender Jorrel Hato, who caught the eye – and set up Neto’s opening goal.
“Jorrel did really well today as well,” Alonso said.
“This is all about the squad. All the players feel important, that they will have their moment whenever they are needed. That’s very positive as well.”
Alonso confirmed that Malo Gusto missed the game because of illness and that Pep Chavarria, who was also absent, picked up an injury in training.
