- In February 2024, former Premier League manager Sam Allardyce offered his perspective on Chelsea’s struggles under then-manager Mauricio Pochettino. Allardyce pinpointed defensive frailties as the primary issue, describing Chelsea’s defending as “the worst… in the Premier League for a long, long time.”
At that time, Chelsea had conceded 41 goals in 25 Premier League matches, a stark contrast to the more robust defenses of top teams like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal. Allardyce emphasized that a strong defense is crucial for league success, stating, “You win the league if you have the best defense, not the best attack.”
In a lighthearted remark, Allardyce expressed his willingness to step in if needed, saying, “Oh yes, I’d fly back from Dubai tomorrow for that—get me there!”
Fast forward to February 2025, Chelsea’s defensive performance has shown improvement. In their recent Premier League matches, they secured a 4-0 victory over Southampton on February 25, 2025, and a 2-1 win against West Ham United on February 3, 2025. These results suggest that addressing defensive issues has been a priority, leading to more positive outcomes on the pitch.
Allardyce’s insights highlight the enduring importance of defensive solidity in achieving consistent success in the Premier
League.
