Football analysts and former top-flight stars have voiced strong criticism following Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso’s latest tactical selections.

Former Arsenal defender and respected commentator Martin Keown labeled the decision a "strange one," publicly questioning why the Spanish manager opted against using a recognized striker.

The controversial move saw attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers pushed into an unfamiliar central striker role following an unexpected injury to Joao Pedro.

The tactical experiment quickly struggled to gain traction during the match, with Chelsea's forward line lacking directness and composure.

Rather than bringing a natural center-forward off the bench to maintain a traditional attacking focal point, Alonso shifted Geovany Quenda to the left wing and deployed Rogers up top.

Pundits watching the encounter expressed confusion over how long the setup was allowed to persist, noting that the combination failed to threaten the opposing backline.

Further eyebrows were raised over the timing and execution of Alonso's substitutions. At one point in the contest, veteran forward Danny Welbeck was prepared to enter the pitch.

However, following a red card incident, Alonso altered his strategy mid-game, delaying the planned change and leaving his side without an established focal point up front for far too long.

The decision has ignited intense debate among pundits and supporters alike regarding squad depth and match management.

While managers are often applauded for creative flexibility during injury crises, critics maintain that abandoning classic positional principles in high-stakes matches creates unnecessary instability.

As Chelsea navigate a congested fixture schedule, Alonso will face growing pressure to refine his tactical adjustments and ensure his attacking setup yields consistent results.

What are your thoughts about this articles? Share your reactions in the comment section and don't forget to share and follow for more updates.

https://www.livescore.com/en/news/football/premier-league/strange-one-former-arsenal-player-cant-understand-alonsos-big-lineup-decision-talk-chelsea/