The Sun: Alonso Handed James a Note at the End of the Match, Featuring the Team Formation

According to The Sun, in the closing stages of Chelsea's 1-2 defeat to Arsenal, Xabi Alonso handed a note to Reece James through substitute Welbeck. Sky Sports' broadcast footage later revealed the contents of the note, which showed a team formation with three players positioned on the front line.

At the time, Chelsea were trailing 1-2 at the Emirates Stadium. In the 88th minute, Blues captain Reece James was filmed studying the note delivered by Alonso together with Cole Palmer. One Sky Sports broadcast angle showed a pitch formation drawn on the paper, with three players placed in the attacking line. Chelsea were attempting to equalize at that moment.

In this match, Chelsea had already started with Morgan Rogers, Joao Pedro and Palmer forming the front three, so The Sun believes Alonso was more likely making adjustments to the positioning of the midfield and defense.

One fan joked: "Do you think Alonso simply wrote 'limit Declan Rice' on the note?"

Another fan said: "If Roseniol handed players a note during a match, people would probably say again that he was not good enough. Xabi Alonso has just done the same thing."