As Chelsea fans left Stamford Bridge into the pouring west London rain at the end of a rare defeat by rivals Tottenham last Saturday, the mood among them reflected the weather.

It was the lowest it had been since before news broke of Xabi Alonso's pending appointment as manager a short time after May's FA Cup final defeat by Manchester City bought a new-found optimism at the end of an exhausting campaign.

The Blues allowed themselves to be bullied by a Spurs side they have taken such pride in dominating for so many years and last season's discipline problems threatened to re-emerge.

The mood has not lifted this week, despite an improved performance in Wednesday's penalty shootout Carabao Cup exit to Alonso's former side Liverpool at Anfield. Unhelpful sub-plots continued to emerge and develop.

Last season's shining light, Estevao, was once again was left on the bench while Wesley Fofana only served to further damage his poor standing among Chelsea fans by giving away a penalty and then missing the decisive spot-kick.

Emmanuel Emegha finally made his debut and, while impressing in flashes with his sharp movement, still looks very raw and needlessly barged into Virgil van Dijk before also missing in the shoot-out. It is too early to consider him a viable back-up to the much-missed Joao Pedro.

So Saturday's visit of crisis club Manchester United takes on added importance. Win and Chelsea will end the day back in the top four before Liverpool host Arsenal on Sunday. Fans can enjoy the rest of the Premier League weekend while Alonso and his squad have some breathing space in the eight days before next Sunday's trip to struggling Sunderland.

Drop points again and the Spaniard will come under real scrutiny. A draw would feel unsatisfactory, but to lose at home to Spurs and this haggard United side, and exit a cup which they harboured realistic ambitions of winning, within a week would raise serious questions.

Two wins and a combined seven goals against Bournemouth and Everton after the last international break banished memories of the limp 3-0 defeat to Brentford, but Alonso needs a win to avoid the mumurings of disatisfaction not only returning but getting much louder.

United boss Michael Carrick now appears charged with a weekly mission to hang on to his job, and, although it is far too early to say the same about his opposite number on Saturday, a victory for Alonso would go some way to ensuring the mood around the club improves at the end of a chastening week.