Chelsea failed to win at home against a newly-promoted side for a fifth successive game, and their fans have pointed out the problem that will prevent them from winning the title.
The Blues were held to a 2-2 draw by Hull City at Stamford Bridge in a performance that once again exposed their defensive frailty.
Xabi Alonso's side have now conceded 12 goals across six competitive fixtures this season, keeping just one clean sheet across those games. Defensive errors have been commonplace for Alonso's side this season, and they were on display once more against the Tigers.
The high-flying newly-promoted side were the beneficiaries of moments of poor defending from the Blues, and could have won the game if not for their wastefulness. On the flip side, Chelsea became the first team to breach Sergej Jakirovic's backline, resulting in an entertaining 2-2 draw.
CHELSEA'S DEFENSIVE ERRORS HANDED INITIATIVE TO HULL CITY AT STAMFORD BRIDGE
Chelsea were coasting at the beginning of the game, with record signing Morgan Rogers having punched home a left-footed strike with just seven minutes on the clock.
They moved the ball well and spurned a couple of half openings, as their visitors looked set for a trouncing.
The moment that changed the game came in the 27th minute, when a long kick from goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis was allowed to bounce deep in Chelsea's half.
Somehow, left-back Ryan Giles dug out a cross despite some half-hearted defending from Malo Gusto, and Jorrel Hato somehow misjudged the flight and bounce of the ball, allowing Mohamed Belloumi to smash home his first Premier League goal.
Buoyed by their equaliser, a second goal arrived for the Tigers thanks to another questionable moment from Chelsea's rearguard.
The Blues' zonal approach to defending a corner meant that Semi Ajayi was left to have a free run at the ball, and the Nigerian beat Emiliano Martinez in the air but saw his header bounce back off the crossbar.
The ball was worked to Belloumi, who had been left unmarked just outside the box, and he shot at goal, with two deflections taking the ball beyond Martinez.
Chelsea needed a goal from newly-crowned Premier League Player of the Month Joao Pedro to avoid defeat in the second half.
Despite having just 32% of the ball, Hull City outshot their hosts 14-12 and generated a superior 1.38 xG.
The Tigers generated four big chances, three of which were spurned, in the game as they picked up a very respectable point to extend their unbeaten start to the season.
CHELSEA FANS RAISE ALARM OVER POOR DEFENSIVE SHOWING
The appointment of Xabi Alonso this summer and quality of recruitment left some Chelsea fans dreaming of a first league title in a decade, but their defensive showings have handed them a reality check.
Legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly stated that attacks win games and defences win titles, and on current showing, the Blues do not look like a team that can win a title.
A disgruntled fan stated that they are conceding too many goals and would not stand a chance of winning the league title. "We are conceding far too much.. remember defence wins you leagues."
One fan parroted the above on social media, reminding the club that defences win championships. "Chelsea we've told you defense will win you championship. This your defense can't hold water."
Another fan called out the defensive structure put in place by manager Xabi Alonso. "Terrible defensive structure."
A fan pointed out that the defence is a problem, stating how they were in control until errors gave Hull City and opening to wrest control. "Our defence is a big problem, we were in control of the game and decided to throw it away."
Another fan stated that the Blues have a lower mid-table backline, pointing to it as a sure-fire prevention of a title push. "Number one reason Chelsea will probably fall away from any sort of title challenge by the new year is that their defense is lower midtable. Nine goals conceded midway through their fourth PL game."
A fan argued that the back three employed by Alonso is not working, and should be jettisoned.."This back 3 is not working at all if we do not have lethal wingers. It's another season of struggles."
Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has urged the fans to remain patient while they work out the defensive set-up of the team. The return of midfielders Moises Caicedo and Jordan Henderson will significantly help the Blues, as both players can complement one another to make the perfect midfield duo.
