Chelsea Beat Milan with Double from Joao Pedro
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Joao Pedro Nets Double as Chelsea Bounce Back to Beat Milan
Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea have been a mixed bag this pre-season, but their 3-0 thrashing of AC Milan on Saturday was a far cry from their lackluster displays against Juventus and Tottenham. The new manager has made it clear that he wants to play with an identity, and against the Serie A heavyweights, we saw glimpses of what that might look like.
The switch to Alonso’s preferred 3-4-3 formation paid dividends, with Marco Palestra impressing on the left wing-back position. His ability to turn inside or out with both feet made him a constant threat, and he was one of the standout performers in a strong starting lineup. The Italian youngster’s versatility is a valuable asset for Alonso.
The set-piece coach appointment has also been paying off. Two goals from corners against AC Milan might not seem like a lot, but considering Chelsea scored 10 such goals in the Premier League last season, it’s a significant improvement. Austin McPhee’s influence on the team is becoming increasingly evident.
Joao Pedro’s double was the highlight of an impressive display from Chelsea, who could have had more goals against AC Milan. The 25-year-old forward has been a key player for the Blues, and his finishing skills were on full display in Jakarta. Alonso’s team is starting to gel, with their unity becoming apparent.
The result also provided a much-needed morale boost for Chelsea, who had been struggling to find their rhythm this pre-season. With only a handful of games left before the Premier League season kicks off, the Blues need to keep momentum going. They face a tough test against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge next week, and another win would send a strong message about their intentions.
As Alonso continues to shape his team, it will be fascinating to see how they adapt to the demands of the Premier League schedule. The manager has been experimenting with different formations and personnel, but now that they’ve found some success, it’s time to build on it. With the right blend of confidence and cohesion, Chelsea could be a force to be reckoned with this season.
The next challenge for Alonso’s side is to maintain their level of performance and build on this momentum. The manager has been working tirelessly to shape his team, and now it’s up to the players to translate that into results on the pitch. With their sights set firmly on a top-four finish, Chelsea need to keep pushing themselves to be better.
As the Blues prepare for their next fixture against Real Sociedad, they’ll be eager to carry this winning momentum into the new season. Alonso’s team is slowly but surely finding its footing in Jakarta, and it will be exciting to see how they adapt to the Premier League’s intense schedule.
Reader Views
- EKEditor K. Wells · editor
While Xabi Alonso's tactical switch to 3-4-3 has shown promise, I still have concerns about Chelsea's midfield depth, which was exposed in their earlier friendly defeats. The recent win over Milan may have been convincing, but they'll need to shore up this area if they're serious contenders for top four spots. Their opponents in the coming weeks will be keenly aware of Chelsea's weaknesses and won't hesitate to target them. Alonso must find a solution to bolster his midfield engine room before it becomes a major obstacle come August.
- RJReporter J. Avery · staff reporter
While Xabi Alonso's Chelsea are undoubtedly showing signs of improvement, their performance against AC Milan was not without its limitations. Marco Palestra's impressive display on the left wing-back position highlighted a glaring issue: Chelsea still lack a natural right winger with pace and skill to match his level. If they're going to push for top-four finishes this season, Alonso needs to find a solution to this problem ASAP – otherwise, their newfound unity will be put to the test in less attractive fashion than against the Italians.
- CMColumnist M. Reid · opinion columnist
It's been a while since Chelsea's attack looked so potent, and Joao Pedro's double was a testament to that. However, let's not get too carried away - their dominance against Milan was largely one-dimensional, with the AC side struggling to cope with Alonso's 3-4-3 setup. But what about their midfield? They still look a bit thin in that department, and their passing game needs work if they're going to be a serious title contender.