Liverpool fail Fulham test as Chelsea's defensive problems continue to hamper their title challenge credentials - Premier League hits and misses
The Sky Sports football writers analyse Saturday's Premier League action as Liverpool fail to inspire in goalless draw with Fulham; Chelsea held by newly-promoted Hull in further showing of defensive frailties; Aston Villa have major attacking concerns
Saturday 12 September 2026 21:17, UK
Attack vs defence - Alonso needs to focus on the latter
Much of the talk surrounding the Chelsea team that Xabi Alonso is in the midst of creating is what they are capable of in attack. How can you stop JP Morgan?
No one has been able to stop them from contributing at least one goal per game this season, but you can't bank on them to get you out of footballing bankruptcy if you can't keep clean sheets.
It is a problem that has impacted the Blues for some time, not just under Alonso. This is the 20th Premier League game in a row their defence has been breached.
The signing of a World Cup winner and multi-time Yashin trophy winner in the form of Emi Martinez is all well and good. However, if he has defenders not doing the basics in front of him, he may as well be Robert Sanchez.
The 1.32 xG that Hull managed was a fair reflection of how dangerous they were at times at Stamford Bridge. And it wasn't like they carved open the hosts. Most of the time, they had chances put on a plate.
The potential in attack is obvious, and certainly exciting. However, Alonso needs to tap into his learnings under Jose Mourinho and make this Chelsea side much tougher to score against if he wants to challenge.
Callum Bishop
Liverpool fail their Fulham test
There were celebrations at Anfield on Wednesday when Andoni Iraola picked up the first Champions League win of his coaching career against Atletico Madrid. But that win was always going to come at some point this season. There was a bigger question.
One of the themes of this Liverpool season was always likely to be how the new coach would be able to cope with an increased schedule, having impressed at Rayo Vallecano and Bournemouth without the added challenge of European commitments.
- Match report and highlights: Liverpool 0-0 Fulham
- As it happened | Teams | Stats | Watch FREE PL highlights
- Latest news and rumours: Liverpool | Fulham
This was the first test of that and Liverpool did not pass it. They were unable to play at the tempo that Iraola usually demands, starting slowly and struggling to raise the level. Fulham were well worth their first point of the campaign and looked as likely to win it.
Iraola's unbeaten run as Liverpool boss continues, one that extends back to the first week of January for him personally given his exploits with the Cherries. But home games against Nottingham Forest and Fulham have yielded only two points. More is needed.
Asked in the press conference whether the fatigue explained Liverpool's performance, Iraola replied: "In the end, this is the easier one, for me, for you, for everyone - our players were tired. I think there is a lack of freshness, definitely. We cannot hide it.
"I think it's the worst turnaround in terms of 60-something hours between the games, after a very big game the other day. But this is going to happen more times, maybe with one more day, maybe."
The onus is going to be on Iraola to find the answers.
Adam Bate
Millions spent, but where is Spurs' goalscorer?
It doesn't take a genius to figure out where Tottenham's biggest concern lies right now. You can't win games if you don't score goals. That's why Spurs haven't won a league game this season, after going 400 minutes without finding the net.
They have so many creative players, all of whom were on the pitch against the Toffees. Yet the man who they need to score the bulk of their goals was anonymous. Or at the very least, wasn't found.
- Match report and highlights: Tottenham 0-0 Everton
- As it happened | Teams | Stats | Watch FREE PL highlights
- Latest news and rumours: Tottenham | Everton
Dominic Solanke's fitness for Tottenham feels imperative. As the only out and out number nine available to De Zerbi, the Englishman has to be picked when fit. Purely because it seems Spurs don't have a choice.
However, whether it be rustiness following his latest setbacks or another reason, Solanke didn't offer anywhere near enough as the number nine. He managed just 19 touches. That's less than Kinsky in goal.
