What’s going wrong with Chelsea’s defence?

Chelsea throw away another lead as Hull City fight back to earn a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge. Is Xabi Alonso’s side becoming too reliant on outscoring opponents, and how big a problem is the defence?Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic’s Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin to look back on a frustrating afternoon for Chelsea, including more questions over Malo Gusto, Morgan Rogers’ brilliant start, and the decision-making from Xabi Alonso.We also discuss whether Penders should get a chance in goal, Chavarria’s case for a start, the latest from the Chelsea ownership group, and how the women’s and academy sides got on at the weekend.Get in touch:Email: [email protected]: @SOCobhamPodStraight Outta Cobham is The Athletic's dedicated Chelsea show bringing you the very best coverage from behind the scenes at Chelsea. Twice a week, host Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Liam Twomey, Simon Johnson, Luke Bosher and Sam Parkin to bring you expert analysis, news and insights. Subscribe now.#chelseafc #cfc #chelsea #football #premierleague Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea 6 - 3 Leeds United. Did you think that was going to be the final score when Brendan Aaronsen put Leeds 2-0 up just after the restart? Chelsea did end up thrilling in Leeds comeback, but are they too reliant on Xabi Alonso’s A team?Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic’s Sam Parkin and Simon Johnson for company to look back an incredibly entertaining night in the Carabao Cup - and look ahead to Hull City on the weekend!Get in touch:Email: [email protected]: @SOCobhamPodStraight Outta Cobham is The Athletic's dedicated Chelsea show bringing you the very best coverage from behind the scenes at Chelsea. Twice a week, host Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Liam Twomey, Simon Johnson, Luke Bosher and Sam Parkin to bring you expert analysis, news and insights. Subscribe now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s another defeat for Chelsea at the Emirates, but did Xabi Alonso’s side show they’re closer to Arsenal’s level than they have been in quite a while?Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic’s Liam Twomey and Luke Bosher for company to look back on the 2-1 defeat by the reigning Premier League champions - and look ahead to the visit of Leeds in the third round of the League Cup on Wednesday evening. Plus, Chelsea Women got their WSL off to a frustrating start, held to a 1-1 draw by Aston Villa. And - can you name a player who’s donned the shirt of Chelsea, Leeds - and Everton? HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Luke Bosher and Liam Twomey PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There was late deadline day drama as Enzo Fernandez’s move to Manchester City was finally confirmed - but the arrival of Lamine Camara collapsed in spectacular fashion at the last moment.Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Sam Parkin and Liam Twomey for a look back on the closing of the transfer window - and a look ahead to Sunday’s first huge test of the season as Chelsea make the trip across London to face champions Arsenal. Plus, Mudryk trying not to be Spursy, a fresh start for Rob Sanchez in Como -  and the start of the WSL season! HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Liam Twomey and Sam ParkinPRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea made it back-to-back wins to start the Premier League season in front of a raucous Stamford Bridge - courtesy of a chaotic 4-3 victory over Brighton. Matt Davies-Adams has Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin for company to look back on the incredibly entertaining win for Xabi Alonso’s side - which showed off the Blues’ attacking prowess, but reiterated the need for more solidity at the back.We’ve got a full breakdown on Sunday’s game, plus the latest on the futures of Enzo Fernandez and Robert Sanchez with the transfer window closing in less than 36 hours. *An apology for the shoddy quality of audio since we have made the swap over to YouTube - this is hopefully sounding a lot better for you!🚨 WE'RE NOW ON YOUTUBE! www.youtube.com/@StraightOuttaCobham Watch every show via our YouTube channel. Plus, plenty of other content/ trivia/ quizzes/ ways for you to have your say.🚨 AND TIKTOK! www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham 🚨 AND JOIN OUR FPL LEAGUE! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/en/leagues/auto-join/p4nqo2 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea progressed to the third round of the League Cup courtesy of a 2-0 win over Luton Town. Next up, old friends Brighton in the Premier League!Matt Davies-Adams has got Sam Parkin and Luke Bosher for company following the big news that the Blues have agreed a £7.5m deal to sign Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa. So, is Martinez the player to turn Chelsea into serious contenders? How positive are the early signs under Xabi Alonso? And with the Enzo Fernandez saga seemingly coming to a head following his absence from the squad on Thursday night - do the club have enough midfield cover to cope without him?!🚨 WE'RE NOW ON YOUTUBE! www.youtube.com/@StraightOuttaCobham Watch every show via our YouTube channel. Plus, plenty of other content/ trivia/ quizzes/ ways for you to have your say.🚨 AND TIKTOK! www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham 🚨 AND JOIN OUR FPL LEAGUE! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/en/leagues/auto-join/p4nqo2 HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Luke Bosher and Sam Parkin PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea kicked off their Premier League campaign in style (mostly thanks to a 3-2 victory over Fulham, with Cole Palmer back to his dazzling best but alarm bells ringing again after Robert Sanchez’s errors in goal.Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic’s Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey for all the fallout from Craven Cottage - plus a look ahead to Thursday’s visit of Luton Town in the second round of the League Cup.Plus - memories of Chelsea’s last cup meeting with the Hatters, the potential transfers of Liam Delap and Mykhailo Mudryk - and another shirt with a connection hanging on the back of Matt’s door… *An apology for the shoddy quality of audio since we have made the swap over to YouTube - this is hopefully sounding a lot better for you! 🚨 WE'RE NOW ON YOUTUBE! www.youtube.com/@StraightOuttaCobham Watch every show via our YouTube channel. Plus, plenty of other content/ trivia/ quizzes/ ways for you to have your say.🚨 AND TIKTOK! www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham 🚨 AND JOIN OUR FPL LEAGUE! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/en/leagues/auto-join/p4nqo2 HOST: Matt Davies-AdamsWITH: Simon Johnson & Liam Twomey PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do Chelsea head into the 2026-27 Premier League season as serious contenders for titles again?Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Liam Twomey and Luke Bosher alongside him for a look ahead to Monday's trip to Fulham as Xabi Alonso's reign in charge officially begins.Plus - a closer look at the players the Blues are still hoping to shift in the closing stages of the transfer window, some broader predictions about the season as a whole - and big news off the pitch with Todd Boehly and Mark Walter in talks to sell their shares in the club to Clearlake Capital.HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Luke Bosher and Liam Twomey PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The new Premier League season begins in a week - and there's a sense of belief back at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea's 3-1 win over Real Sociedad in their final pre-season game.Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic's Simon Johnson and Luke Bosher for a look back on Xabi Alonso's victorious first game in front of the home fans in SW6.How well equipped are the Blues heading into Monday's game with Fulham? Did Morgan Rogers live up to the hype? How did the new-look defence perform? What next for Enzo Fernandez? And how genuine is the interest in Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly?!We'll be back on Thursday for our official build-up to the short trip to Craven Cottage as the season begins under the lights on Monday evening.🚨 WE'RE NOW ON YOUTUBE! www.youtube.com/@StraightOuttaCobham Watch every show via our YouTube channel. Plus, plenty of other content/ trivia/ quizzes/ ways for you to have your say.🚨 AND TIKTOK! www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham 🚨 AND JOIN OUR FPL LEAGUE! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/en/leagues/auto-join/p4nqo2 HOST: Matt Davies-AdamsWITH: Luke Bosher and Simon JohnsonPRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two weeks to go...Matt Davies Adams is joined by The Athletic's Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey for a look back on Chelsea's pre-season tour exploits following a final two matches in the Far East over the weekend.We dissect the 3-0 win over Milan and the feisty 3-3 draw with Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta'zim - before a wider look at the main learnings for Xabi Alonso in their time on the road.Could 'unicorn' Marco Palestra prove to be the signing of the season? Will Mike Penders be content to play back-up to Rob Sanchez? And should we be worried about the feelings of a clear A and B team amongst the squad?Plus, we bid farewell to Cobham kid Trevoh Chalobah - who's signed for Cesc Fabregas' Como, ending a near 20-year association with the club. And - why Pep Chavarría could prove to be one of the Blues' most influential acquisitions.We'll be back on Monday as we reflect on the visit of Real Sociedad AND gear up for the official return of the Premier League season!🚨 WE'RE NOW ON YOUTUBE! https://www.youtube.com/@StraightOuttaCobham Watch every show via our YouTube channel from Monday 17th August. Plus, plenty of other content/ trivia/ quizzes/ ways for you to have your say. 🚨 AND TIKTOK! https://www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham HOST: Matt Davies-AdamsWITH: Simon Johnson and Liam TwomeyPRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.