Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has admitted his side must shore up their defensive record, even as the club's attacking play has impressed early in the season. The Blues have scored eight goals across three Premier League matches but have also shipped seven — a ratio that Alonso believes is unsustainable.

The former Spain international, who has claimed four wins from his first five games in charge, insists the challenge is to maintain Chelsea's goal threat while building greater defensive solidity.

Work in progress

Speaking on the club's official website on Friday, Alonso acknowledged that Chelsea remain a developing side following a period of considerable squad reshaping. "We want to be more competitive, to be as good or even better in attack because I think there is room for improvement and to have the balance, to feel solid as well and to feel strong in defence," he said.

Alonso was clear that cutting the number of goals conceded is a collective responsibility, not one that rests solely with his defenders or goalkeeper. "We want not to concede that many goals and that's the work of everyone, from the strikers to the goalkeeper," he added.

With key players still returning to full fitness and integrating into the squad, Alonso expressed confidence that the team's identity would sharpen over time. "We are still in the early days to know what this team for sure is going to be. I think that we will develop many things, we will develop with players — important players — they are joining and are able to play," he said.

Respect for Hull City

Ahead of the upcoming fixture against Hull City, Alonso was careful to acknowledge the threat posed by their opponents. He noted that Hull City have kept a clean sheet en route to seven points, making them a difficult proposition. "They have seven points, no goals conceded, they will be hard to beat, they have their weapons as well," he said.

The Chelsea boss also highlighted Hull City's danger from transitions and set-pieces, praising the confidence running through their camp. "With transitions, set-pieces, they have the belief, the coach is doing a great job," Alonso concluded.