Joao Pedro hat-trick spares Chelsea's blushes in 10-goal thriller vs Western Sydney Wanderers as Xabi Alonso makes winning start
Xabi Alonso began his tenure as Chelsea manager with a chaotic 6-4 pre-season victory over the Western Sydney Wanderers. Despite a late hat-trick from Joao Pedro, Alonso expressed concern regarding his team's defensive vulnerabilities.
Why it matters
The match highlights the tactical challenges facing a high-profile manager transitioning to a new league and the defensive work required before the Premier League season begins.
Joao Pedro scored a dramatic late hat-trick as Xabi Alonso kicked off his Chelsea tenure with a chaotic 6-4 pre-season victory over Western Sydney Wanderers. The Blues showed incredible attacking flair in a 10-goal thriller, but defensive vulnerabilities left the new manager with plenty to ponder.
Alonso made a winning start to life as Chelsea head coach, but his side were made to work hard in a thrilling 6-4 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers . The lead astonishingly changed hands five times during a frantic encounter at the Accor Stadium.
Despite contending with a heavily worn pitch following a weekend of rugby matches, Chelsea fielded a youthful starting lineup featuring senior figures Tosin Adarabioyo, Liam Delap and Dario Essugo. Debutant Dastan Satpayev gave the Blues an early lead, but the Australian hosts repeatedly capitalised on poor defending to keep the game chaotic.
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