Chelsea managed to snap out of a pair of pre‑season setbacks with what many are calling their most convincing display under manager Xabi Alonso to date. The Portuguese forward João Pedro was the catalyst, netting two goals that helped the Blues secure a comfortable 3-0 triumph over AC Milan in a friendly staged in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The tactical setup for the match marked a clear shift from the hybrid 4‑2‑3‑1 formation that had been experimented with in earlier fixtures. Instead, Alonso opted for a pure 3‑4‑3 system, a change that seemed to unlock the team's attacking potential against the Serie A giants. Left wing‑back Marco Palestra was a standout on the flank, providing both defensive solidity and forward thrust, while the influence of newly appointed set‑piece specialist Austin McPhee was evident from the opening minutes. Chelsea's set‑piece record this season has been noteworthy; they have already converted ten corners into goals across the Premier League campaign for 2025/26.
In Jakarta, however, they needed only two corner kicks to break the deadlock, both of which were expertly delivered by Moises Caícedo. The first came just before halftime when João Pedro managed to slip away from Milan goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani, meeting Caícedo's ball with a well‑timed glancing finish that left the keeper stranded.
The goal restored confidence to a side that had been under pressure after two consecutive defeats in earlier friendlies. The second goal arrived swiftly after the interval. Within a minute of the restart, João Pedro again found himself in the right place at the right time. He surged forward to the back post, meeting an in‑swinging cross from teammate Pedro Neto.
Pedro's delivery curled perfectly into the box, and João Pedro timed his run to meet the ball, slotting it home with composure. The rapid double gave Chelsea a two‑goal cushion and forced Milan to chase the game. Chelsea's third and final goal was the product of another well‑executed corner.
Caícedo, who had already provided the assist for the opening strike, switched roles to become the provider. From the edge of the penalty area, he delivered a lofted ball that found the head of a forward who had managed to latch onto the trajectory.
The resulting volley was powerful and precise, beating the Milan defence and adding a further cushion to the scoreboard. Substitutes Geovany Quenda and Nicolas Jackson added fresh energy in the latter stages, testing the Milan goalkeeper with a couple of close-range attempts that rattled the woodwork.
Though neither managed to find the net, their involvement demonstrated the depth of Chelsea's attacking options and gave the manager valuable insight into squad rotation ahead of the upcoming season. Beyond the goals, the match offered several take‑aways for the Blues. The shift to a 3‑4‑3 formation appeared to provide better balance between defense and attack, allowing wing‑backs like Palestra to contribute offensively without compromising the back line. Moreover, McPhee's influence on set‑piece routines was clear; the precision of the corner deliveries and the timing of runs in the box suggested a new level of organization that could prove decisive in tightly contested league fixtures.
Ron Walker of Sky Sports highlighted the significance of the win, noting that while pre‑season results can be erratic, the performance in Jakarta demonstrated tangible progress. He pointed out that the victory not only boosted morale but also offered a glimpse of the tactical evolution under Alonso, especially with the integration of McPhee's set‑piece strategies. Looking ahead, Chelsea's schedule remains packed with high‑profile friendlies.
The team will face Johor Darul Ta'zim in Malaysia on August 9, followed by a home clash against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge on August 15. These fixtures will provide further opportunities to fine‑tune the squad, test the new formation, and solidify the contributions of emerging talents. In summary, the 3‑0 win over AC Milan was more than just a friendly result; it was a statement of intent from a Chelsea side eager to turn the page on early pre‑season disappointments.
With João Pedro's brace, a re‑engineered tactical approach, and the early signs of a set‑piece renaissance under Austin McPhee, the Blues have laid a promising foundation for the challenges that lie ahead in the Premier League and beyond.