Chelsea managed to snap out of a pair of pre‑season setbacks with what can be described as their most convincing display under manager Xabi Alonso to date, thanks in large part to a two‑goal performance from forward João Pedro. The English side secured a 3-0 triumph against AC Milan in Jakarta, a result that not only restored confidence but also highlighted the growing cohesion of Alonso's tactical ideas. After experimenting with a hybrid formation that blended elements of a 4‑2‑3‑1 with his signature 3‑4‑3, the manager finally committed fully to the three‑at‑the‑back system for this match.
The decision proved fruitful, as the players appeared more comfortable and the team displayed a clearer attacking rhythm. Left wing‑back Marco Palestra was especially impressive, offering both defensive solidity and forward thrust, while the influence of newly appointed set‑piece specialist Austin McPhee was already evident in the way Chelsea approached dead‑ball situations.
Statistically, Chelsea have been prolific from corners throughout the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, registering ten goals from corner kicks up to this point. In the encounter with Milan, they managed to convert two of those opportunities within regular time. The first came just before the half‑time whistle when João Pedro managed to slip away from Milan goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani, meeting a precise delivery from Moises Caídedo and guiding the ball into the net with a composed finish. The goal was a textbook example of timing and positioning, as Pedro anticipated the ball's trajectory and capitalised on the space left by the defending line.
The second goal arrived almost immediately after the restart. Pedro again found himself in a prime position, this time at the far post, where he tapped in Pedro Neto's in‑swinging cross. The timing of his movement was impeccable; he arrived at the back post just as the ball curved into the penalty area, ensuring a clean finish that left the Milan defence stunned. Within three minutes, Caídedo, who had provided the assist for the opening goal, turned the tables on himself.
From a corner taken from the edge of the box, he connected with a volley that slipped past the goalkeeper, completing his own contribution to the scoreline and sealing a comfortable lead for the Blues. Chelsea's substitutes also made their presence felt.
Geovany Quenda and Nicolas Jackson entered the fray with noticeable energy and created several chances, but both were denied by the woodwork, underscoring the fine margins that often decide matches. Despite these near‑misses, the victory was more than enough to lift the squad's morale, especially given the demanding travel schedule that saw the team play in Indonesia. The starting eleven, which had been on the field for over an hour, displayed a high level of fitness and tactical discipline, suggesting that the squad is building the stamina required for a grueling season ahead.
Commentator Ron Walker of Sky Sports summed up the performance succinctly, noting that while Chelsea's pre‑season form has been inconsistent, the qualities displayed in this match were undeniable. He highlighted the importance of the win in terms of confidence building and the tangible improvements seen in set‑piece execution under McPhee's guidance.
The match also served as a showcase for several players who could be pushing for more regular roles as the season approaches. Looking ahead, the Blues have a packed itinerary. After the 6-4 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers on July 28 and a 1-2 defeat to Tottenham on August 1, they suffered a narrow 0-1 loss to Juventus in Hong Kong on August 5 before bouncing back against Milan. The next fixture is slated for August 9 against Johor Darul Ta'zim in Johor, followed by a high‑profile clash with Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge on August 15.
Each of these matches will provide further opportunities to fine‑tune tactics, integrate new signings, and assess the impact of recent coaching appointments. In summary, the 3-0 win over AC Milan offered several takeaways for Chelsea: the successful implementation of a pure 3‑4‑3 formation, the emergence of Marco Palestra as a reliable wing‑back, the immediate positive influence of Austin McPhee on set‑piece situations, and the clinical finishing of João Pedro, who demonstrated why he is a key attacking option. The team can now head into the remainder of the pre‑season with a stronger belief in their system and a clearer idea of the players who can deliver when it matters most.