In his first match as Chelsea manager, Xabi Alonso witnessed a thrilling 6-4 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers, showcasing the talents and struggles of four strikers.
New Delhi, India Jul 28, 2026 ALN: Xabi Alonso's first match as Chelsea manager was defined by four strikers - an untouchable one, one that struggled again and could leave, a promising talent, and one that could join.
The star was Joao Pedro, who scored a nine-minute hat-trick to help Alonso's side to a 6-4 win against Western Sydney Wanderers in a match that highlighted the gulf between Premier League and A-League teams. The result not only marked a successful debut for Alonso but also showcased the attacking prowess of Pedro, who has been a key player for Chelsea since his arrival.
Perhaps it was the disappointment of being left out of Brazil's World Cup squad that inspired the forward to showcase his finishing prowess as well as his power and pace in an entertaining spectacle at Accor Stadium. The match served as a platform for Pedro to demonstrate his abilities, especially after a season where he had been criticized for inconsistency. Alonso described Joao Pedro as "very, very hungry" and "determined to have a great season", reflecting the manager's belief in the player's potential to shine in the upcoming campaign.
For the most part, however, it was a sloppy and imperfect performance by Chelsea, with the Blues still adjusting to the effects of jet lag after their long journey. The match was part of Chelsea's pre-season tour, and such tours often come with challenges, including fatigue and the need for players to adapt to different conditions. The team's defensive frailties were evident, and while they managed to score six goals, conceding four raised concerns about their ability to maintain a solid defense in competitive matches.
There were few other standouts other than Joao Pedro, but Dastan Satpaev was one. The 17-year-old scored the first goal of Alonso's reign - and in spectacular fashion - after just six minutes. His goal not only set the tone for the match but also highlighted his potential as a future star for Chelsea. Strangely, the Kazakhstan forward did so as a trialist - because he cannot formally complete his move from FC Kairat to Stamford Bridge until 12 August. This situation has drawn attention to the challenges young players face when transitioning to larger clubs, where formalities can delay their opportunities.
By contrast, his fellow starting forward Liam Delap again struggled, as he has in almost every appearance for Chelsea since his £30m move from Ipswich last summer. Delap appears short of confidence and could now be sold, with Chelsea advancing talks to sign Danny Welbeck, 35, as an experienced replacement. The potential signing of Welbeck reflects Chelsea's strategy of blending youth with experience, aiming to create a balanced squad capable of competing at the highest level.
Welbeck has agreed personal terms and there is optimism at Chelsea that a deal can be reached, although his club Brighton are refusing to comment. The situation illustrates the complexities of the transfer market, where negotiations can often be prolonged and complicated by various factors, including player contracts and club strategies.
Chelsea are also in talks to sign midfielder Jordan Henderson, 36, from Brentford as they look to add experience and leadership to their squad after a disappointing 2025-26 season. The addition of seasoned players like Henderson is seen as crucial for Chelsea, especially as they aim to improve their performance in both domestic and European competitions. When asked about signing the two older players, Alonso replied: "We need balance, to have a complete squad and make a good team. For that, we have an idea and plan." This statement underscores Alonso's vision for the team and his commitment to building a competitive squad.
Beyond the narratives surrounding strikers, with injured Emmanuel Emegha and Nicolas Jackson also on the books, it was only a very early glimpse of what to expect from Alonso's Chelsea. The match served as an experimental ground for Alonso, allowing him to assess the capabilities of his players and identify areas for improvement as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Satpaev is attempting to become the first Kazakh player to appear in a Premier League match. His story is one of ambition and determination, as he seeks to break new ground for in Kazakhstan. In his homeland, he is a superstar. He has already played for his national team and attracted fans from his home country to both the open training session on Sunday and the match on Tuesday in Sydney. The interest in Satpaev highlights the growing global nature of , where players from various countries are increasingly making their mark in top leagues.
Quick, sharp in the box and relatively small in stature, Satpaev is stylistically often compared to former Argentina and Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero. Such comparisons can be both flattering and burdensome, as they set high expectations for young players. Asked whether he will get a chance at Chelsea this season amid talk of a potential loan move, Alonso said: "We still have to take decisions." This comment indicates that while Satpaev has impressed, the club's management will take their time in making decisions about the squad.
"I knew Dastan from Almaty," added Alonso, who faced the player with his former club Real Madrid last season. "He is a ball threat, he attacks the inner channel well and is good as a striker coming from the outside. He is really strong, really quick and I have been really impressed with him." Alonso’s praise reflects his keen eye for talent and his commitment to developing young players within the squad.
The former Liverpool midfielder, who was a vocal presence on the touchline, used the 4-2-3-1 system favored by Enzo Maresca, who was Chelsea head coach this time last year. The tactical setup indicates Alonso's intention to maintain a fluid and attacking style of play, allowing for creativity and movement in the final third. With players still on holiday after the World Cup - including club record £117m signing Morgan Rogers - several youngsters were given an opportunity. This approach not only allows for squad rotation but also provides valuable experience to younger players, which is essential for their development.
Midfield trio Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, Reggie Walsh and Reggie Watson all impressed, with the latter the only player to play the full game. Nicoll-Jazuli and Watson, both 16, anchored the midfield together for long periods, while 17-year-old Walsh impressed in a more advanced role. The inclusion of such young talent highlights Chelsea's commitment to nurturing homegrown players and integrating them into the first team.
In his pre-match media conference, Alonso expressed surprise at how well the seven academy players drafted in to fill gaps in the squad had performed in training. This positive assessment of the academy players is significant, as it suggests that Chelsea's youth development system is producing players capable of competing at higher levels. Landon Emenalo, 18, has also been given a significant opportunity, with no other left-backs available. The reliance on academy graduates reflects a broader trend in , where clubs are increasingly turning to their youth systems to find talent.
The only senior player other than Joao Pedro to particularly impress was winger Jamie Gittens, who made it three goals in three appearances in pre-season, following his two in behind-closed-doors friendlies against EFL opposition. Gittens' form is encouraging for Chelsea, as it indicates that they may have found a reliable attacking option to support their more established players. Overall, Alonso's debut as Chelsea manager provided a mix of excitement and caution, as the team begins to find its identity under his leadership.
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