The article highlights the difficulties Chelsea faced in the middle of the park, with Moisés Caicedo's absence hurting the visitors.
Chelsea's new manager Xabi Alonso has been experimenting with a high-intensity style, but the team's lack of depth in midfield has been exposed. The absence of Caicedo, who is yet to start this season due to an unspecified issue, has been particularly felt. Alonso has admitted that he rushed Caicedo back against Brighton and is now erring on the side of caution.
The team's reliance on Reece James, who has been shifted from right-back to central midfielder, has also been questioned. James's lack of feel for the position was exposed by Arsenal's Martin Ødegaard, who scored the winning goal.
Chelsea's midfield woes are set to continue until January, when they will hope to strengthen their squad. In the meantime, Alonso will have to find a way to balance his team's attacking style with the need to shore up their defense.