Inconsistency has been a constant theme surrounding Xabi Alonso’s reign as Chelsea manager, and on Sunday, another step back. Chelsea were beaten by a Brian Brobbey-inspired Sunderland.

Sunderland have become a bogey team for Chelsea since the Black Cats were promoted back to the Premier League, winning all three Premier League games against the Blues, including a 2-1 win in London.

Having beaten Chelsea and denied Calum McFarlane’s team Europe for this season, an improved Chelsea under Xabi Alonso went to Wearside with revenge on the mind. But they’ve come away with a 1-0 defeat.

Brian Brobbey crucial to Sunderland win against Chelsea

There is inconsistency in results, but it stems from inconsistency in team selection. That is down to the extensive injury list at Stamford Bridge, with Josh Acheampong the latest casualty, missing Sunday’s loss.

It was Enzo Le Fee who scored the only goal of the game, netting a penalty that had been won by Brian Brobbey. Indeed, it was Brobbey who caused a nightmare for Chelsea’s makeshift back four on Sunday.

Colwill was then subbed off, and it saw Alonso forced to put Caicedo into centre-back. In the 67th minute, Brobbey was taken off after running Chelsea ragged, having played in the week against Dinamo Zagreb.

Ex-Sunderland defender Gary Bennett was on co-commentary for the game on BBC Radio Newcastle. He claims: “Even the two Chelsea centre-backs are clapping. They’re glad to see the back of him.”

Alonso desperately needs his best players back, and to stay fit

Ahead of Sunday’s game, Chelsea had suffered the second-most amount of injuries this season among Premier League clubs. Then, Acheampong was ruled out, and Emi Martinez’s return was premature.

Even Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Hansi Flick, and Luis Enrique would struggle to provide consistency if their best players kept getting injured. The Blues have suffered the best part of 30 injuries this season.

Joao Pedro, Reece James, Maxence Lacroix, Emi Martinez – the core of his Chelsea side has been stripped out. Alonso is being forced to try new relationships without prior experience, or with those in bad form.

In any other world, Fofana would have been dropped; but Chelsea had no other choice. Colwill’s removal is even more of a concern with Acheampong and Lacroix injured. Alonso desperately needs consistency.

But he will only get that when Chelsea finally stop picking up injuries. Whether there is something in the Blues constantly suffering injuries beyond coincidence and bad luck, is unclear. But it is hindering Chelsea.