Martin Keown slams ‘strange’ Xabi Alonso decision after Chelsea’s defeat to Tottenham

Martin Keown criticised Xabi Alonso’s ‘strange’ decision not to play a recognised striker in Chelsea’s London derby defeat to Tottenham.

Spurs clinched a rare win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening, beating Chelsea 2-0 thanks to two late goals.

Chelsea back-up goalkeeper punched the ball into his own net from a corner to give Tottenham the lead, before Mathys Tel put the game to bed with a superb solo goal.

In-between the two goals Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer was sent off as Tottenham celebrated only a second league win at Stamford Bridge in 36 years.

Chelsea were without in-form striker Joao Pedro who picked up an injury in training during the week and Alonso’s decision to start Morgan Rogers in a false nine role backfired.

Keown was critical of Alonso’s tactical tweak, especially as Alonso had experienced Premier League striker Danny Welbeck at his disposal on the bench.

‘That seemed strange, it seemed strange,’ Arsenal legend Keown said on BBC’s Match of the Day when asked about Chelsea’s line-up.

‘We all know what Danny Welbeck can offer and what he can bring. They used him late on in the match but I can’t really understand why he didn’t start.

‘I don’t remember Morgan Rogers ever playing up front for Aston Villa and I didn’t think he was at his best at all today.’

Alonso said Chelsea have to ‘do better’ after they suffered a third defeat of the season and slipped eight points behind joint-leaders Manchester City and Arsenal.

‘We are all disappointed with the result, with the performance collectively and individually we were not at our best level,’ the former Real Madrid boss said.

‘It was about the first goal and it went their way and with 10 men it was difficult but we can do better.

‘Chances were the main thing, they had few and we had few. We spoke at half time we had to be patient and be mature. We can do better.’

"It's a big moment for the fans, for the club and for the players" 🙌

Roberto De Zerbi is delighted after Spurs win 2-0 at Chelsea 😀 pic.twitter.com/NQCoeXhNQr

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 24, 2026

Asked about his decision to start Rogers as a false nine, Alonso added: ‘We wanted to have this fluidity in the middle.

‘We wanted the pockets filed with Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers. There were situations but overall we have to do better.’

While Chelsea’s inconsistent start to the season continued, Tottenham clinched back-to-back wins to climb to 12th in the Premier League.

‘I think we deserved to win,’ Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi said. ‘The players worked very well, prepared very well the game.

‘This morning, yesterday, all days in the last week and the qualities of the players are very clear.

‘I’m happy for the spirit of the players. I think we have to change the last part of the history of our club. I would like to follow in this way.’

Chelsea face Liverpool in the fourth round of the EFL Cup on Wednesday night while Tottenham return to action next weekend against London rivals Crystal Palace.

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