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.
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.
Alonso described Joao Pedro as “very, very hungry” and “determined to have a great season”.
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.
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.
Strangely, the Kazakhstan forward did so as a triallist – because he cannot formally complete his move from FC Kairat to Stamford Bridge until 12 August.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
