Alonso: The defeat is painful, and I learned from this match

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has stated that his team's 2-1 loss to Arsenal should be painful, emphasizing the need to continue working and improving in upcoming matches.

Alonso told Sky Sports: "This hurts, we should feel the pain of defeat. It was a very strong and intense match, with many different moments. We had chances to equalize, and we also had two opportunities in the first half. I cannot feel happy when we lose."

He added: "After we scored the goal, we went through a period that lasted from 15 to 20 minutes during which we had to defend a lot, and we faced some difficulties in controlling the match. After that, we had better periods when we had the ball. Overall, it was a very close and intense match."

He continued: "We could have dealt better with the second goal, as we conceded it very early. The players gave everything and tried with all they had. This defeat should hurt us."

Regarding the tactical approach that Chelsea follow, Alonso explained: "It's about preparing in the best possible way and competing in the best shape. We need to control the numerical advantage on the right side. These things are part of the game. We will continue to work; it's only the third match, and we still have a very long way to go."

Regarding Chelsea's reliance on corner kicks, he said: "You make decisions and put the right methods in place. We want to be effective and proactive. Sometimes through set pieces, sometimes with high pressing or low pressing. I think that's what you need to compete at all stages of the game. We came here today trying to compete in the best way possible, and now we have to keep working."

Speaking about the difference he discovered during the match against Arsenal, he replied: "I learned from the game, and I learned about our team and the things we do and what we have started to build. The players have this mentality and desire to develop and compete better from one match to another, in order to build something we believe in. So far, I am happy. We want to win matches, as that is the main goal."

Alonso addressed whether Chelsea have suffered from a midfield shortage, stating: "You have to deal with injuries, the team is missing injured players. The players who participated today gave everything they had and put in the maximum effort possible."