Chelsea managed to snap out of a pair of pre‑season setbacks with what can be described as their most polished display under Xabi Alonso to date, thanks largely to a two‑goal performance from Joao Pedro that propelled the Blues to a comfortable 3‑0 triumph against AC Milan in Jakarta. The win not only restored confidence but also offered a clear illustration of how the team’s tactical evolution is beginning to click. In the previous matches, Chelsea experimented with a hybrid formation that blended elements of a 4‑2‑3‑1 with Alonso’s signature 3‑4‑3.
For the encounter with Milan, the coaching staff abandoned the hybrid and committed fully to the 3‑4‑3 shape. The decision paid dividends, as the side looked more balanced both defensively and offensively. One of the standout performers was Marco Palestra, who excelled in the left wing‑back role, providing width, delivering accurate crosses and contributing to the defensive solidity that kept Milan’s attackers at bay. Another subtle but significant factor was the influence of newly appointed set‑piece specialist Austin McPhee.
While it is still early days, his impact was already evident in the way Chelsea executed corner kicks. Throughout the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, the club had managed to net ten goals from corners, but in this single 90‑minute exhibition they produced two such goals, underscoring a potential improvement in that dead‑ball area. The first goal came just before the interval.
Milan’s keeper Lorenzo Torriani was caught off‑guard when Joao Pedro made a well‑timed run, slipping away from his marker to meet a low, curling delivery from Moises Caicedo. Pedro’s composure in front of goal allowed him to glance the ball home with a simple side‑footed finish, leaving the Italian custodian with little chance to intervene.
The goal was a textbook example of a well‑rehearsed set‑piece routine, with the timing of the run and the placement of the ball working in perfect harmony. The second strike arrived swiftly after the break. Within a minute of the restart, Joao Pedro was again at the heart of the action.
This time, Pedro Neto sent in an in‑swinging cross that drifted towards the far post. Pedro anticipated the trajectory, surged forward and turned the ball into the net with a clean finish, effectively doubling both his personal tally and Chelsea’s lead.
The quick response not only rattled Milan but also demonstrated the Blues’ intent to dominate the match from the first whistle. Chelsea’s third goal was a product of relentless pressure and an aggressive approach to set‑pieces. Three minutes later, Caicedo, who had already supplied the first two corners, found himself in a slightly deeper position. He delivered a high, looping ball from the edge of the penalty area, which found a teammate making a late run.
The player met the ball with a powerful volley that rocketed past Torriani, sealing a 3‑0 scoreline and completing a comprehensive performance. The match also offered a glimpse of the depth in Alonso’s squad. Substitutes Geovany Quenda and Nicolas Jackson were introduced later in the game and both made lively contributions, testing the Milan defense with pace and skill. Unfortunately for Chelsea, both of them saw their efforts thwarted by the wooden frame of the goal, highlighting that while the team is improving, there is still room for refinement in finishing.
Overall, the result can be viewed as a morale‑boosting win that will serve the players well as they continue their pre‑season tour across Asia. The starting eleven logged more than an hour of high‑intensity football in the humid conditions of Indonesia, which should aid their fitness levels heading into the competitive season. Moreover, the victory provides a tangible example of how the tactical tweaks introduced by Alonso, coupled with the fresh ideas from the coaching staff, are beginning to bear fruit.
Sky Sports analyst Ron Walker summed up the performance succinctly, noting that while Chelsea’s pre‑season form has been inconsistent, the virtues of today’s win are undeniable. He highlighted the promising displays from several individuals and hinted that the early signs of the Austin McPhee era on set‑pieces could be a much‑needed upgrade if the trend continues.
Looking ahead, the Blues have a packed schedule that will test their adaptability and squad depth. Their recent fixtures include: - July 28: Chelsea 6‑4 Western Sydney Wanderers (Sydney) - August 1: Chelsea 1‑2 Tottenham (Sydney) - August 5: Chelsea 0‑1 Juventus (Hong Kong) - August 8: Chelsea 3‑0 AC Milan (Jakarta) - August 9: Johor Darul Ta'zim vs Chelsea (Johor, 1 pm) - August 15: Chelsea vs Real Sociedad (Stamford Bridge, 2 pm) These matches will provide further opportunities to fine‑tune the 3‑4‑3 system, integrate new signings, and solidify the set‑piece routines that have already shown promise.
If the team can maintain the intensity and tactical discipline displayed against Milan, they will head into the Premier League campaign with a strong foundation and a clear sense of direction.