Sydney Super Cup
Chelsea defeated Western Sydney Wanderers 6 – 4 in full time.
Joao Pedro scored a hat-trick for Chelsea on Tuesday [Getty Images]
Substitute striker Joao Pedro netted a rapid hat-trick in just 10 minutes, securing the team’s victory under new management in a thrilling 6-4 match against Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia.
Two late goals from the Brazilian complemented earlier goals from Dastan Satpaev, Dario Essugo, and Jamie Gittens in what marked Alonso’s first official match in charge, aside from closed-door friendlies.
BBC Sport reporter Nizaar Kinsella evaluates player performances from the Sydney match.
Starting XI
Teddy Sharman-Lowe: With first-choice goalkeeper Robert Sanchez likely being rested for the upcoming game against Tottenham and Filip Jorgensen expected to leave for Strasbourg, 23-year-old Sharman-Lowe started in goal. He made a crucial early save from winger Liam Gillion but might have done better with the second goal, although it was perfectly placed. Rating: 5
Tayo Subuloye: The Under-18s captain struggled in an unfamiliar right-back position, particularly failing to prevent the third goal, and was mostly absent from the play. Rating: 5
Josh Acheampong: Not his best performance, as he was at fault for Hammond’s first-half goal and the defense appeared generally disorganized. Rating: 5
Tosin Adarabioyo: As captain, Adarabioyo had a few missed opportunities with headers and contributed to a shaky defensive performance. Rating: 5
Landon Emenalo: With Jorrel Hato unavailable post-World Cup and Marc Cucurella sold, Emenalo had seen substantial playing time in previous friendlies. He was solid in possession but faltered defensively, contributing to the Wanderers’ third goal. Rating: 6
Dario Essugo: The Portugal Under-21 international was relatively quiet until he combined effectively with Walsh to score just before half-time, equalizing the match. Rating: 7
Reggie Walsh: Operating as a number 10, Walsh found good spaces and had a long-range shot saved early on. His clever movement and assist played a key role in the equalizer. Rating: 7
Reggie Watson: While he looked composed in possession at times, he also lost the ball too easily. The 16-year-old impressed with his selection and hit a powerful free-kick just over the bar. He was the only player to complete the full match. Rating: 7
Dastan Satpaev: The young Kazakhstan forward made a noteworthy impact, scoring the opener in the sixth minute, becoming the first goalscorer of the Xabi Alonso era. Despite missing a chance later, he was involved in Chelsea’s second goal. Rating: 7
Liam Delap: With uncertainty surrounding his future at Chelsea following the club’s interest in Danny Welbeck, he still managed to start and contributed to creating an early scoring opportunity but missed a shot in the 27th minute. Rating: 6
Ryan Kavuma-McQueen: He started brightly with a well-placed shot but faded as the match progressed. Rating: 6
Substitutes
Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli: Typically more offensive-minded, Nicoll-Jazuli did well anchoring Chelsea’s midfield, making an impressive tackle to save a goal. Rating: 7
Omari Kellyman: The 20-year-old winger, who spent last season on loan at Cardiff, managed a shot on target after coming on but had a short appearance before being substituted. Rating: 6
Robert Sanchez: Had limited chances to influence after coming on and could do little to prevent Awan Lual’s second-half goal. Rating: 6
Wesley Fofana: Helped stabilize the defense upon entering but made a critical error during the game. Rating: 7
Aaron Anselmino: Filled in at left-back, playing out of position effectively. Rating: 6
Levi Colwill: Solidified the defense alongside Fofana, until a costly mistake in possession occurred. Rating: 7
Estevao Willian: Struggled to make an impact with a poor first touch and a later error that led to the fourth Wanderers goal but showed a flash of brilliance before shooting late in the match. Rating: 5
Jamie Gittens: Scored an equalizer with an excellent shot, marking three goals in his last three games, including two prior to this. He is displaying great form in pre-season. Rating: 8
Cole Palmer: Showed strength on the ball but struggled to find space in the midfield. Rating: 6
Joao Pedro: The Brazilian striker was outstanding, scoring a hat-trick and dominating the game in a spectacular 30-minute performance. His omission from Brazil’s World Cup squad may have fueled this display. Rating: 9
Unused substitutes: Curd, Diakite, Lavia.