Chelsea FC's high-scoring start to the Premier League season faces a major test in the North London derby against Arsenal. The Blues, managed by Xabi Alonso, have won both of their opening matches, scoring seven goals but also conceding five, as they prepare for the trip to Emirates Stadium.
According to a report from sports.yahoo.com, the club's league record stood at 2-0-0, good for fourth place, ahead of that September 2025 fixture. Their attack, led by João Pedro, Cole Palmer, and new signing Morgan Rogers, was prolific, but a defense in transition raised questions. Fast forward to the current 2026/27 campaign, and Chelsea again sits fourth with six points from two wins, having scored seven and conceded five. Key veterans Jordan Henderson and Marco Palestra are currently sidelined, as shown on the club's injuries page.
Who joined and left Chelsea FC this summer?
The summer of 2025 was one of substantial change at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea invested heavily, with the headline arrival being Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a reported £116 million. He was joined by a cohort of new faces including Maxence LaCroix, Emi Martinez, Geovany Quenda, Valentin Barco, Emmanuel Emegha, Pep Chavarria, Danny Welbeck, and Dastan Satpaev. The overhaul also saw significant departures, with Enzo Fernandez moving to Manchester City, Andrey Santos to Manchester United, and Nicolas Jackson to Aston Villa. Veteran defender Marc Cucurella also left for Real Madrid.
Not every planned move came to fruition. The club attempted to sign Lamine Camara from Monaco, but the deal collapsed. Chelsea's official statement criticized Monaco's "deeply unprofessional" behavior during the negotiations.
How is Xabi Alonso shaping the team?
Xabi Alonso, who became Chelsea's tenth permanent manager since their last league title in 2017, has implemented a 3-4-3 formation. His previous experience at Bayer Leverkusen and a brief stint at Real Madrid informed his approach. The system immediately unlocked an explosive attack, with the team averaging six total goals per game in those first two matches of the 2025/26 season. Alonso's comment after the early goal-fests was succinct: "that's enough of that," perhaps hinting at a desire for more defensive solidity. The back line was described as a work in progress, having lost Cucurella and adapted to the new shape.
What is Chelsea FC's current form and next challenge?
Building on the attacking foundation from the previous year, Chelsea began the 2026/27 season with consecutive victories. They hold a positive goal difference of +2 and are positioned just outside the very top of the standings. The immediate focus now shifts from the past derby to a new home fixture. Chelsea's next match is against Hull City at Stamford Bridge on September 12, 2026. Hull currently sits third, making it another early-season test of Chelsea's credentials. Fans can track the team's schedule on the official fixtures page.
The club's ability to integrate its many new signings and cope with absentees like Henderson and Palestra will be vital. Chelsea's next fixture is at home to third-placed Hull City on September 12.
