Chelsea fans are not only blaming a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland on two controversial decisions but also one of Xabi Alonso's players.

Enzo Le Fee netted from the penalty spot in the 36th minute after Levi Colwill brought Brian Brobbey down in the box. Replays show that Brobbey tripped himself up before going to the ground.

Chelsea felt they should have had a penalty later in the second half when Cole Palmer looked to have been fouled by Luke O'Nien in the other box. But referee Jarred Gillet didn't feel there was enough in it to warrant a spot-kick, much to Alonso's bemusement.

The defeat means his side head into the international break fifth in the Premier League table and have now suffered four defeats in their opening 10 games. There are glaring issues in his team, particularly the midfield area where he has been left short following events that transpired at the end of the summer transfer window.

Henderson Struggles as Chelsea Suffer Fourth League Defeat

Alonso set his team up with a three-man midfield as Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Jordan Henderson lined up together. Caicedo recently returned from injury and seems to be taking his time getting back to his best, while Lavia has seemingly overcome recurring fitness struggles to become a starter.

Henderson has been handed more game time than he probably expected when he arrived as a free agent in the summer. At the age of 36, the expectation was that he'd be a bit-part player, providing valuable experience on and off the pitch.

After AS Monaco prevented Lamine Camara from joining the club on deadline day, Alonso has had to turn to Henderson in midfield. Enzo Fernandez joined Manchester City in a joint-Premier League record £120 million deal and wasn't replaced.

Henderson majorly impressed in a 5-1 win over Bournemouth in early October, scoring a brace and providing an assist. But he has since failed to replicate such a performance and he was caught chasing shadows at the Stadium of Light today.

Coming up against his boyhood club, the former Sunderland midfielder also struggled to influence proceedings whenever in possession of the ball. Alonso gave him 87 minutes in which he managed didn't win his one ground duel, lost possession eight times, and failed with one dribble attempt.

'Shocking' - Chelsea Fans Take Aim At Henderson

Henderson's run in the starting lineup has been a topsy-turvy one and Alonso might have a decision to make following the international break. It seems a large section of the Stamford Bridge faithful are ready to see the veteran midfielder drop to the bench.

One fan gave a grim verdict of his performance: "Henderson is just shocking especially on the ball."

Another supporter echoed this: "Jordan Henderson is just such a pointless player."

One demanded: "Henderson needs to be dropped let’s stop forcing it He has his cameo of the season enough now."

Another added: "Henderson has been horrendous as well btw."

One fan agreed: "What is Henderson still doing in this pitch please. No progressive passes, no tackles, just running around."

With just two months until the January transfer window opens, it seems certain that Chelsea will be moving for a new midfielder. Alex Scott is reportedly at the top of their wishlist and GIVEMESPORT sources understand that the club are confident of signing the Bournemouth man for £100 million.