Hato backs Chelsea's 'crazy' attack to outscore anyone despite five goals conceded

Jorrel Hato has backed Chelsea’s free-scoring attack to compensate for a leaky defence after the Blues opened their Premier League campaign with seven goals scored and five conceded across wins over Fulham and Brighton.

The Chelsea defender acknowledged that Xabi Alonso’s side need to tighten up at the back, but insisted the firepower available going forward gives them the tools to challenge for trophies this season.

“We try to improve to not concede three goals,” Hato said. “But we know we are very dangerous at the point that we will score goals. If you concede three and score four, you actually did a good job in winning the game.”

Chelsea put three past Fulham before thrashing Brighton 4-3, with the front three of Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers looking electric in both matches. Hato was full of praise for the trio’s chemistry, describing their movement and connection as a key weapon.

“The front three have been very good. I think they can find each other really well. They have a great connection,” he said. “We think we are very dangerous with attackers on the bench as well. So this is something positive.”

Alonso, who built his managerial reputation on tactical discipline during an unbeaten Bundesliga season with Bayer Leverkusen, has adopted a more open, attacking approach at Stamford Bridge — a shift Hato attributes in part to the quality of players at his disposal.

The defender also pointed to Alonso’s playing career at Liverpool and Real Madrid as a source of authority and calm within the squad. “He has experience and he knows the game. He played in the Premier League as well, and I think he brings it over to us on a good level.”

Chelsea’s next assignment is a trip to the Emirates to face reigning champions Arsenal, a fixture Hato framed as the natural next step after the squad set themselves a target of three wins from their opening three games — a target they have already met.

“We look at it game by game,” Hato said. “We had a great start. We spoke with each other and said the first week, three games, that’s to be three wins, and we did that. So now we’re looking forward to Arsenal.”

Whether Alonso’s side can sustain their attacking output while reducing the defensive vulnerabilities will be tested sharply at the Emirates.