Chelsea's 3-0 victory over AC Milan in Jakarta was a significant moment in their pre-season campaign, marking a return to form and a step forward under Xabi Alonso's leadership. This win, achieved with a strong starting lineup, was a morale booster and a clear indication of the team's progress. The game showcased several key areas of improvement, particularly in set-piece tactics and the versatility of players like Marco Palestra. However, it also highlighted areas for further development, such as the need for more clinical finishing and the potential for greater impact from substitutes like Nicolas Jackson.
One of the most notable aspects of the game was the team's ability to adapt to Xabi Alonso's 3-4-3 formation. This system, which has been a hallmark of Alonso's management, was implemented effectively, with Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia playing pivotal roles in midfield. Caicedo's ability to drop back and initiate attacks from the back three was particularly impressive, while Lavia's man-marking of Luka Modric restricted the Croatian's influence on the game. The team's performance in this formation suggests that Alonso is making progress in establishing his preferred style of play.
Set-piece improvements were another bright spot for Chelsea. The team scored two goals from corners in the first half, a significant improvement on the 10 goals from corners they scored in the entire Premier League season. This is a testament to the impact of new set-piece coach Austin McPhee, who has been appointed just a couple of weeks prior to the game. The two goals, scored by Joao Pedro and Caicedo, were a result of well-executed deliveries and smart finishing, indicating that the team is making strides in this area.
The performance of Marco Palestra was also noteworthy. The Italian wing-back demonstrated his versatility with both feet, offering an extra threat with his ability to turn inside or out. His performance on the left side of defense was particularly impressive, teeing up Danny Welbeck in the first half and nearly scoring himself in the second. Palestra's versatility makes him an especially useful outlet at wing-back on either side, and his performance against AC Milan suggests that he could be a key player for the team this season.
However, there were also areas for improvement. Chelsea had several chances to extend their lead, particularly with substitutes Geovany Quenda and Nicolas Jackson both lively and denied by the woodwork. Jackson, in particular, created a fine chance for Cole Palmer with a reverse pass before hitting the woodwork after creating space for himself with a jinking run. This suggests that the team has the potential to be more clinical in front of goal, and that substitutes like Jackson could play a more significant role in future games.
In conclusion, Chelsea's 3-0 victory over AC Milan was a significant moment in their pre-season campaign, marking a return to form and a step forward under Xabi Alonso's leadership. The team's performance in the 3-4-3 formation, set-piece improvements, and the versatility of players like Marco Palestra were all positive signs. However, the team also has areas for improvement, such as the need for more clinical finishing and the potential for greater impact from substitutes like Nicolas Jackson. Overall, the game was a promising start to the season, and it will be interesting to see how the team continues to develop and improve in the coming weeks and months.
