Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is heading into a difficult week of matches, and defeat at home to Tottenham has raised the stakes ahead of Wednesday's trip to Liverpool.

The defeat was notable for a mistake by 21-year-old goalkeeper Mike Penders, which swung the game in Spurs' favour.

Meanwhile, Cole Palmer was sent off and is suspended for Wednesday night's Carabao Cup tie.

There was also the surprise absence of star striker Joao Pedro, with his fitness likely to be another topic at today's news conference (13:30 BST).

After the trip to Anfield, struggling Manchester United travel to Stamford Bridge for Saturday's early kick-off.

It is a challenging week for Alonso, who may face tougher questions today after Chelsea's two-game winning run since the international break had appeared to put them back on track.