According to a report by Metro on Saturday, October 24, 2026, former Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge has criticised Xabi Alonso’s team selection following Chelsea’s disappointing 2-0 Premier League defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge.

Tottenham produced an impressive display against their London rivals, securing a valuable away victory and moving up to 12th position in the Premier League table. Chelsea, meanwhile, struggled to create meaningful opportunities and failed to match their opponents’ intensity throughout the encounter.

Chelsea entered the match without their leading goalscorer, Joao Pedro, who was unavailable after sustaining a knock. In response, Alonso opted to start Geovany Quenda alongside Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers in attack instead of handing Danny Welbeck a place in the starting lineup.

However, the attacking changes failed to produce the desired results, as Chelsea found it difficult to establish a consistent attacking rhythm. Their lack of creativity and effectiveness in the final third contributed to a frustrating evening for the home supporters.

Despite the team’s difficulties, Alonso waited until the 88th minute to introduce Welbeck, bringing the experienced forward onto the pitch after Tottenham had already doubled their advantage. The decision attracted criticism from Sturridge, who questioned why the striker had not been given an earlier opportunity.

Speaking on Sky Sports, the former England international expressed his disappointment with Alonso’s approach to the London derby, stating, “I think the manager got it wrong.”

Although Sturridge recognised Quenda’s ability and potential, he argued that the teenager’s inclusion affected Chelsea’s attacking balance and the effectiveness of Palmer and Rogers. He suggested that the team’s recent performances had been structured around Pedro’s presence in the central attacking position.

“Quenda is a very good young player, make no mistake, but I think the way in which the team have played in the last couple of weeks, they were prepared to play with Joao Pedro,” he explained.

Sturridge further emphasised that Welbeck’s experience could have provided Chelsea with a different but effective attacking option. While acknowledging that the forward lacked Pedro’s pace and dynamism, he maintained that his football intelligence and experience could have helped the team.

“Is Welbeck as fast as him? No. Is he as dynamic? He isn’t. But what we know is he is a very good, very experienced football player who could have come in and done a job,” Sturridge added.

The former Chelsea striker concluded that Welbeck deserved to start the match, leaving Alonso facing scrutiny over his selection decisions and tactical adjustments following the disappointing defeat.