Chelsea’s 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham raised legitimate questions about Xabi Alonso’s decision-making, and tonight’s trip to Liverpool offers another opportunity to see how he responds under pressure.

The criticism centres on his team selection and in-game management rather than the result alone. With Joao Pedro absent, Alonso opted against starting Danny Welbeck as a recognised striker and waited until the 87th minute to introduce one. By then, Chelsea’s attacking problems had been evident for much of the game.

There were also questionable tactical decisions, including Pedro Neto switching wings, Geovany Quenda remaining on the pitch despite struggling to make an impact, and a persistent high press that proved ineffective while leaving gaps for Tottenham to exploit and control the game. These are issues that became increasingly obvious as the game progressed.

If those watching from the stands and at home could identify the problems, surely there were opportunities for the coaching staff to recognise them and make adjustments. Alonso now has a chance to show that he can learn from the defeat and make better decisions against Liverpool.

The first concern was the lack of a recognised striker. Chelsea started the game without one, and when the match demanded a focal point in attack, Alonso failed to introduce one until the 87th minute. Rogers was not the right man for the role. Chelsea created opportunities from Tottenham’s mistakes but failed to capitalise, making the need for a natural finisher in the penalty box all the more obvious. 

A team chasing the game at home against a London rival needs a forward capable of turning half-chances into goals, but Chelsea waited far too long to bring one on.

The second concern was the timing and choice of Alonso’s first substitution. He made a change at left wing-back when the game was being decided in midfield. Tottenham were gaining control through the centre, and Chelsea needed a response to that growing problem. Introducing a fresh midfielder or adjusting the system to strengthen the middle of the pitch would have made more sense. Instead, Alonso changed an area where Tottenham’s Mohamed Kudus had offered little threat, leaving the real issue largely unaddressed.

Don’t get me starting on the possession stats when they go on the wrong side of 40%. 

None of this means Alonso is in trouble. One defeat does not define a season, and Penders’ mistake for the opener, along with the team’s finishing, played a large part in the result. 

Alonso still has the credit of recent performances and the support of his dressing room.Even so, the analysis is fair. Managers are judged on how they respond when games turn, and Saturday showed hesitation. 

Tonight’s tie at Liverpool gives him a chance to show a sharper approach: a clear plan up front, quicker decisions from the bench and a midfield that holds its ground. If he gets those right, the questions will fade quickly.