According to a report by Metro on Saturday October 24, 2026, Former Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge has criticised Xabi Alonso’s team selection following the Blues’ disappointing 2-0 Premier League defeat against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.

Tottenham delivered an impressive performance against their London rivals, securing a rare victory at Stamford Bridge and climbing to 12th place in the Premier League standings.

Chelsea entered the encounter without leading goalscorer Joao Pedro, who missed the match after suffering a knock. Instead of starting Danny Welbeck, Alonso selected Geovany Quenda alongside Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers in attack.

However, Chelsea struggled to establish an attacking rhythm throughout the contest, creating little danger and failing to match Tottenham’s intensity during a disappointing home performance.

Despite his team’s struggles in the final third, Alonso delayed Welbeck’s introduction until the 88th minute, bringing the experienced forward on after Tottenham had already scored their second goal.

Sturridge questioned the Chelsea manager’s decision to leave Welbeck on the bench, arguing that the forward’s experience and playing style could have helped the team perform more effectively.

Speaking on Sky Sports, the former England international made his feelings clear about Alonso’s tactical approach during the London derby.

“I think the manager got it wrong,” Sturridge said, expressing his disappointment with the decision to make changes to Chelsea’s attacking setup.

Although Sturridge acknowledged Quenda’s potential, he suggested the teenager’s inclusion affected the overall structure of the team, particularly the performances of Palmer and Rogers.

“Quenda is a very good young player, make no mistake, but I think the way in which the team have played in the last couple of weeks, they were prepared to play with Joao Pedro,” he explained.

Sturridge believes Chelsea’s established attacking approach had been built around Pedro’s ability to operate as a central forward, and changing that arrangement disrupted the team’s attacking relationships.

He also highlighted Welbeck’s experience, insisting that although the forward might not possess Pedro’s speed or dynamism, his understanding of the game could have offered Chelsea an effective alternative.

“Is Welbeck as fast as him? No. Is he as dynamic? He isn’t. But what we know is he is a very good, very experienced football player who could have come in and done a job,” Sturridge added.

The pundit ultimately argued that Welbeck deserved to start against Tottenham, leaving Alonso facing questions about his selection and tactical decisions after Chelsea’s disappointing defeat.