Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso admitted that the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal “hurts” but insisted his team must use the setback positively as they continue to develop under his management.
Chelsea made a dream start at the Emirates Stadium when Morgan Rogers opened the scoring after just 77 seconds. However, Arsenal responded strongly, with Kai Havertz equalising before Martin Ødegaard completed the comeback early in the second half.
Speaking after the match, Alonso acknowledged that Arsenal put Chelsea under significant pressure during the opening stages after the Blues took the lead. He felt his side struggled to keep possession and control the game during that period.
“It hurts because a defeat has to hurt,” Alonso said, while stressing that the result should not derail Chelsea’s progress. He also described the match as intense and highlighted the different momentum swings throughout the contest.
Originally published by NotJustOk.