Chelsea managed to shake off the sting of two consecutive pre‑season losses by delivering what can be described as their most convincing display under Xabi Alonso to date. The turning point came in Jakarta, where a commanding 3‑0 triumph over AC Milan was anchored by a two‑goal performance from Brazilian forward João Pedro. The tactical setup for the match marked a clear shift away from the hybrid 4‑2‑3‑1 formation that had been experimented with in earlier friendlies. Instead, Alonso opted for a pure 3‑4‑3 system, a decision that paid dividends against the Serie A giants.
Left wing‑back Marco Palestra was especially impressive, providing width and defensive stability while also contributing to the attacking phases. In addition, the influence of newly appointed set‑piece specialist Austin McPhee was evident from the first corner. Chelsea have historically struggled to convert corner opportunities, recording only ten goals from corners across the entire Premier League campaign of 2025/26.
In Jakarta, however, they found the back of the net twice from dead‑ball situations within the 90‑minute window. The first came just before halftime when João Pedro managed to slip away from Milan goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani and tapped in a low, unmarked delivery from Moises Caicedo. The timing was perfect, as it broke the deadlock and gave the Blues a psychological edge heading into the break. The second goal arrived almost immediately after the restart.
Pedro, still fresh from his earlier strike, instinctively positioned himself at the far post and met an in‑swinging cross from Pedro Neto with a well‑timed finish. The ball ricocheted into the net, doubling both his personal tally and Chelsea's lead. Not content with simply defending the advantage, Caicedo soon became the provider for the third goal. After a corner was swung into the box, he found a teammate at the edge of the area who flicked the ball back across the six‑yard line, where another Chelsea player volleyed it home, sealing a comprehensive victory.
While the starting eleven delivered a dominant performance, the substitutes also made their presence felt. Both Geovany Quenda and Nicolas Jackson showcased their pace and skill, creating several chances that were ultimately denied by the wooden frame of the goal.
Their contributions, though not reflected on the scoresheet, highlighted the depth of the squad and suggested that the bench could be a valuable asset as the season approaches. The win was more than just three goals; it served as a morale booster for a group that had endured a rocky pre‑season. The players spent over an hour on the pitch in the tropical heat of Indonesia, a factor that tested their fitness and resilience. Yet the team emerged not only victorious but also with a clearer understanding of how Alonso's preferred formation can function against top‑level opposition.
Commentary from Sky Sports analyst Ron Walker underscored the significance of the result. He noted that while Chelsea's pre‑season form had been inconsistent, the quality displayed in Jakarta could not be ignored. "It hasn't always been the case for Chelsea this pre‑season, but there's no arguing the virtues of their victory today," Walker remarked, emphasizing the positive momentum the win could generate.
One of the standout narratives from the match was the early impact of Austin McPhee's set‑piece coaching. The two goals that came from corners suggested that the Blues are finally addressing a long‑standing weakness. If this improvement continues, it could prove to be a decisive factor in tightly contested league matches where dead‑ball situations often decide the outcome.
Looking ahead, Chelsea have a packed schedule of friendlies that will further test their tactical adaptability and squad depth. The recent fixtures include: - July 28: Chelsea 6‑4 Western Sydney Wanderers in Sydney - August 1: Chelsea 1‑2 Tottenham Hotspur in Sydney - August 5: Chelsea 0‑1 Juventus in Hong Kong - August 8: Chelsea 3‑0 AC Milan in Jakarta (the match discussed above) - August 9: Johor Darul Ta'zim vs Chelsea in Johor (1 pm) - August 15: Chelsea vs Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge (2 pm) These matches will provide further opportunities for the manager to fine‑tune his system, integrate new signings, and give playing time to emerging talents. The blend of high‑intensity games across different continents also offers a chance for the squad to build chemistry and adapt to varied playing conditions, an essential component for a successful campaign.
In summary, the 3‑0 win over AC Milan in Jakarta showcased the potential of Xabi Alonso's 3‑4‑3 formation, highlighted the immediate benefits of Austin McPhee's set‑piece expertise, and gave João Pedro a platform to demonstrate his finishing prowess. With the confidence gained from this performance, Chelsea can look forward to the remainder of their pre‑season tour with optimism, aiming to translate these promising signs into consistent results once the Premier League season kicks off.