Alonso's first Chelsea match was a tale of four strikers

What the report says

BBC Sport reported that Xabi Alonso’s first match as Chelsea manager was shaped by contrasting storylines around four forwards, as Chelsea beat Western Sydney Wanderers 6-4 at Accor Stadium in Sydney. Joao Pedro led the performance with a nine-minute hat-trick, strengthening his status as the club’s leading striker option. Alonso said the Brazil forward looked highly motivated and intent on a strong season, while the match itself underlined the quality gap between Premier League and A-League opposition.

The report said Chelsea’s overall display was uneven, with the squad still adapting after travel, but 17-year-old Dastan Satpaev was another notable figure. The Kazakhstan forward scored the first goal of Alonso’s tenure after six minutes while playing as a triallist, because his move from FC Kairat cannot formally be completed until 12 August. BBC Sport noted that Satpaev is trying to become the first Kazakh player to play in the Premier League and has already drawn attention from supporters from his home country.

Liam Delap’s position appeared less secure. BBC Sport said the striker, signed from Ipswich for £30m last summer, again struggled and could be sold, with Chelsea advancing talks for Brighton forward Danny Welbeck, 35. The report added that Welbeck has agreed personal terms, though Brighton declined to comment. Chelsea are also said to be discussing a move for Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson, 36, as Alonso seeks more experience after a disappointing 2025-26 season.

Beyond the striker focus, Alonso used a 4-2-3-1 system and gave several academy players minutes, with Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, Reggie Walsh and Reggie Watson among those praised in the BBC account.