Under Maurizio Sarri, Chelsea have looked far more like an attacking side than they have in several years combined and it’s largely due to the new boss’ style and approach to games.
Marcos Alonso comes up big yet once again.
He’s now got 22 goals and assists in just 67 Premier League games for Chelsea (15G, 7A).
— Jake Cohen (@JakeFCohen) August 26, 2018
His widely acclaimed ‘Sarri-ball’ has England talking but although he currently looks like he’s having a walk in the park in his first three games of the Premier League season, Sarri must know he will have a bad patch and games will not end the way he wants them to, at some point in the season.
Chelsea got on comfortably against Huddersfield and struggled visibly against Arsenal in their second game. Against Newcastle last Sunday at St. James’ Park, Chelsea were held for a long time in the game until Marcos Alonso was fouled for the penalty Eden Hazard converted. Soon after Newcastle were level through Joselu but when the Blues needed a hero for a second straight game, it was no surprise who stepped up: Alonso.
He was the man who scored Chelsea winner against Arsenal late in the game after grabbing the assist to Pedro’s goal in the first half. He may have his defensive frailties, but Alonso’s 15 goals for the club since he signed only two years ago speak volumes of a defender who just can’t be held back. He seems made for goals and when the tough times appear in Sarri’s time at Stamford Bridge, he can rely on Alonso to step up like he has so many times already in his short time at the club.
This Opta stat might just tickle your fancies:
20 – Since his Chelsea debut in September 2016, Marcos Alonso has been directly involved in 20 Premier League goals (14 goals, 6 assists), seven more than any other defender. Influence.
— OptaChelsea (@OptaChels) August 26, 2018
