Chelsea managed to snap the streak of consecutive pre‑season losses with what many are calling their most impressive display under manager Xabi Alonso to date, as João Pedro secured a brace that propelled the Blues to a comfortable 3-0 triumph over AC Milan in Jakarta. The win not only restored confidence but also offered a clear illustration of how Alonso’s tactical tweaks are beginning to bear fruit. The tactical setup for the match marked a notable shift. Earlier in the tour, Chelsea had experimented with a hybrid formation that blended elements of a 4-2-3-1 with Alonso’s preferred 3-4-3.
For the encounter with the Italian giants, the coaching staff abandoned the hybrid approach and reverted fully to the 3-4-3 system. This decision paid dividends, as the team displayed greater cohesion and defensive solidity while still providing ample attacking outlets.
One of the standout performers in this configuration was Marco Palestra, who excelled in the left wing‑back role, delivering overlapping runs and contributing both offensively and defensively. Another factor that drew praise was the impact of newly appointed set‑piece specialist Austin McPhee.
Although the season is still in its early stages, the influence of his coaching was already evident. Chelsea, who have historically struggled to convert corner opportunities, managed to net two goals from corners in the 90‑minute contest – a marked improvement compared with the ten corners they have turned into goals across the entire Premier League campaign for 2025/26.
The first of those goals came just before halftime when João Pedro skillfully detached himself from Milan goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani and redirected a pinpoint cross from Moises Caicedo into the net without any defender in his way. The second goal arrived almost immediately after the restart. Pedro, still buzzing from his earlier strike, timed his run perfectly to meet an in‑swinging cross from Pedro Neto at the far post. He headed the ball home, restoring Chelsea’s two‑goal advantage within a minute of play resuming.
The momentum continued when Caicedo, who had been instrumental in the first goal, turned provider once more. From the edge of the box, he delivered a low, driven ball that found a teammate who volleyed it into the net three minutes later, completing the scoring trio. While the starting eleven delivered a dominant performance, the substitutes also made their presence felt. Geovany Quenda and Nicolas Jackson, both introduced later in the game, displayed energy and creativity that threatened the Milan defense.
Unfortunately for the Blues, both attackers saw their efforts thwarted by the wooden frame of the goal, underscoring the fine margins that often decide matches. Beyond the scoreline, the victory offered a significant morale boost for a squad that has been navigating a mixed pre‑season itinerary.
The match took place in Indonesia, meaning the players endured a long journey and a challenging climate, yet they appeared physically fit and mentally sharp for the majority of the game. This resilience bodes well for the demanding schedule that lies ahead, including upcoming fixtures against top‑flight opposition.
Commentary from Sky Sports analyst Ron Walker highlighted the broader implications of the win. "It hasn't always been the case for Chelsea this pre‑season, but there's no arguing the virtues of their victory today," he observed, pointing to the tactical discipline, the effective use of set pieces, and the overall team spirit as key take‑aways.
Looking ahead, Chelsea’s pre‑season calendar remains packed. After the triumph over Milan, the Blues will face Johor Darul Ta'zim in Malaysia on August 9, followed by a high‑profile clash with Real Sociedad back at Stamford Bridge on August 15.
These matches will provide further opportunities to refine the 3‑4‑3 system, integrate new signings, and assess the depth of the squad. In summary, the 3‑0 win over AC Milan can be distilled into several core lessons for the Blues: 1. **Tactical Clarity** – The full adoption of the 3‑4‑3 formation allowed players to understand their roles more clearly, leading to a balanced defensive shape and fluid attacking transitions. 2.
**Set‑Piece Progress** – Austin McPhee’s influence is already evident, with two goals arising from corner situations, suggesting that the team’s dead‑ball threat is evolving. 3.
**Individual Brilliance** – João Pedro’s brace demonstrated his poaching instincts and composure in front of goal, while Marco Palestra’s wing‑back work rate added width and depth. 4. **Squad Depth** – The contributions from substitutes, even if they did not result in goals, indicated that the bench possesses quality capable of influencing games.
5. **Physical Conditioning** – Enduring the travel and climate of Jakarta without a noticeable dip in performance suggests the squad’s fitness regime is effective. The broader context of Chelsea’s pre‑season results also provides perspective.
The team opened the tour with a high‑scoring 6‑4 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers on July 28, suffered a narrow 1‑2 defeat to Tottenham in Sydney on August 1, and fell 0‑1 to Juventus in Hong Kong on August 5. The win against Milan therefore serves as a turning point, demonstrating that the side can bounce back from setbacks and apply lessons learned in real‑time. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the season approaches, eager to see whether the tactical adjustments, set‑piece improvements, and individual performances witnessed in Jakarta will translate into consistent success in the Premier League and European competitions. For now, the Blues can take pride in a well‑earned victory that not only adds three points to their pre‑season tally but also reinforces the belief that they are moving in the right direction under Xabi Alonso’s stewardship.