Chelsea returned to Stamford Bridge to finalise their 2026/27 preparations this afternoon, winning 3-1 over Real Sociedad.
Xabi Alonso was welcomed by an excited Blues crowd in the West London heat, and it took just nine minutes for his new look Chelsea side to open the scoring through Morgan Rogers, tapping home after a Joao Pedro header was denied by Alex Remiro.
As always, let’s take a look at some of the key takeaways from today's match.
Pedro Neto - A New Position?
A divisive player at the best of times, those on the more negative end of the stick may just have to get used to Pedro Neto playing regularly again this season.
With Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer deployed as ‘twin tens’, Neto was tasked with holding the width down the right hand flank, but this time as a right wing back.
He provided a lot of balance offensively and defensively, creating the joint most chances in the match (three), while also winning five of his six duels.
There is a lot of talent in forward areas of the pitch with the likes of Estevao Willian and Geovany Quenda also vying for minutes in attacking areas, so perhaps Neto’s selfless work rate defensively could help provide balance for Alonso, especially on transition moments where he can use his speed to track back.
A Positive First Showing For Lacroix
Maxence Lacroix was one of many new signings on display this afternoon, and overall, he looked like the exact type of defender that could partner Levi Colwill effectively.
Fast, aggressive and commanding, Lacroix regularly shouted across the back line on his first outing in Blue as he guided Chelsea through a turbulent period during the first half, where Sociedad ended with nine shots on goal.
Though dribbled past once inside the box, leading to Robert Sanchez having to make a big save, Lacroix was more often the first man to any loose balls across the backline, and headed out plenty from crosses.
It was also impressive to see Lacroix attempt plenty of difficult passes, with some believing that to be his weakest attribute. He ended off the game with 96% pass accuracy.
On a positional sense, there was regularity for Lacroix, slotting into the middle of the three on the ball, just like he did with Crystal Palace.
Enzo Fernandez Drama In The Stands
Sources have told Striver.Football that Chelsea currently expect Enzo Fernandez to stay at the club following a refusal from Manchester City to meet their 5pm deadline on Friday with a £120m bid in writing.
However, Manchester City are said to be undeterred, and believe there may still be a chance to sign him in the coming days.
Whatever the outcome, something needs to be decided once and for all soon, especially after today, where I witnessed verbal spats between fans over what should happen with the player.
Fernández came on in the 62nd minute to loud boos from the home supporters, before quickly having his name sung shortly after. There was a mixed feeling, and a real sign of tension in the ground when it came to the Argentinian.
As for the performance, there was nothing either way to really write home about. He did some good switches, and kept the captains armband once on the field, which was interesting, given recent events.
At full time, he was in deep discussion with Romeo Lavia and slightly clapped the fans as he walked round, before exiting toward the tunnel.
If Fernandez stays, he will likely play in a pivot next to Moises Caicedo, as he did today, with Rogers and Palmer occupying the spots centrally in attack.
Could the acquisition of Rogers, therefore leaving Fernandez deeper in midfield and consequently becoming less of a goal threat be a factor in Chelsea’s decision making if they were to sell?
Interesting Exclusions From The Matchday Squad
Unfortunately there was no post match press conference today from Alonso, so we do not know for certain what the reasons may be, but it was eye catching to see the likes of Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap and Tosin not in the squad.
All three players are understood to not be on the “not for sale list”, so there is certainly a possibility that there exclusions had transfer related ties to them,
It must also be noted that new striker Danny Welbeck and Emmanuel Emegha were also not in the squad, as well as Mykhailo Mudryk.
Whatever the reason, Chelsea do have a lot of players on the books with just over two weeks left of the window.
There is and will need to be a continued focus on outgoings with Chelsea not in Europe next season.
Up next for Alonso’s men is the start of the Premier League season, where they face Fulham at Craven Cottage next Monday evening.
