'I Was Trying': Xabi Alonso's Honest Verdict As Chelsea Players Told What Was 'Missing' vs Sunderland

Xabi Alonso has conceded Chelsea were unable to find solutions to their problems during the 1-0 defeat to Sunderland in the Premier League.

Enzo Le Fee's first-half penalty gave Sunderland their second league win of the season, ending a three-game goal drought at the Stadium of Light and marking their third straight league win against Chelsea.

It was a disappointing afternoon on Wearside for Chelsea, who slip to fifth in the league. They had no answers for Sunderland, and ultimately paid the price with a defeat.

Chelsea had few chances in the game. The ones they did create should've ended with goals. They lacked quality in both boxes, which proved costly for the visitors.

It was Chelsea's fourth league defeat in their opening 10 games. Despite a week to prepare for the trip to Sunderland, they were unable to use that as an advantage.

Chelsea's injury absences are noticeable. Josh Acheampong missed the game with a minor injury, while Joao Pedro's injury layoff is a problem for the Blues in attack. Pedro Neto started the game in a false-nine role, with Alonso opting for the Portugal international instead of either Emmanuel Emegha or Danny Welbeck - the club's two other recognised centre-forwards.

Alonso's post-match mood was one of self-reflection. Despite there being a few controversial refereeing decisions, the Spaniard looked at his side's performance and admitted they tried to find solutions, but ultimately they were unable to do so.

“I was trying to find solutions," the Chelsea manager told Sky Sports.

"We were missing a bit of speed on the ball, a bit of patience playing against a low block. We didn’t create enough chances, we didn’t have enough patience or creativity to create chances. That’s why we were not close to scoring."

Alonso and Chelsea now have two weeks until their next game, when they host Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on November 21. It starts a run that includes fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace.

A difficult run in December, a month that has not been so kind to Chelsea in recent years, then awaits as Liverpool, Manchester City and Aston Villa are among their festive schedule. 

By that time, Chelsea will need to improve if they are wanting to compete and keep pace with their nearest competitors in the league. 

Alonso has always been insistent that Chelsea will be a better side by the end of the season than when he took over in the summer, but they need to pick up results on the way.

"We are still developing and improving," Alonso added. "Today the feeling is not the best, but we have time to come back and reflect and come back for November and December and progressing.”

Another period of reflection awaits at Cobham. But Chelsea cannot keep letting this inconsistency become the norm. Until they get over that hurdle, Alonso's side will always have a limited ceiling.