Photo by David GRAY / AFP via Getty Images
Photo by David GRAY / AFP via Getty Images
Chelsea tasted defeat for the first time under Xabi Alonso with a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham in Sydney, and below are our ratings from the London derby down under.
Xabi Alonso stuck to the 4-2-3-1 formation which brought success against the Western Sydney Wanderers, rather than revert to the three-back system which brought success at Bayer Leverkusen.
Chelsea were bolstered in their efforts in Australia by the sending off in Kevin Danso in the second half, but the game petered out when the first team stars were subbed off in the second half.
The Chelsea Chronicle have handed out player ratings for the Blues from their second televised pre-season clash.
Chelsea player ratings vs Tottenham
Teddy Sharman-Lowe: 6/10
Had no chance with Spurs’ first goal, but made a good save to deny Mathys Tel from close range. A promising display in the absence of Robert Sanchez. Positioning was questionable on a number of occasions though.
Marco Palestra: 9/10
Thrived with the defensive side of his game rather than the attacking skillset he was signed for, Marco Palestra defended well down the right in a back four.
Chelsea FC v Tottenham: Sydney Super Cup
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Wesley Fofana: 5/10
Some difficult moments in possession, although this can be put down to the dodgy playing surface. Is facing a tough battle against Maxence Lacroix for a starting spot next season.
Levi Colwill: 6/10
Was allowed to showcase his passing abilities when Spurs went down to 10 men. Chelsea were desperately missing a ball-player like him last season.
Jorrel Hato: 7/10
Has picked up where he left off last season, impressing greatly and showing he is the favourite to take over from Marc Cucurella as first-choice left-back.
Romeo Lavia: 8/10
Showed his quality in tight areas with excellent play to set up Chelsea’s first goal. Such a quality player who Alonso will be desperate to see stay fit.
Dario Essugo: 7/10
Continues to show promising signs during this pre-season campaign. If he goes on loan this season, a club are going to be getting a seriously-talented player.
Estevao Willian: 8/10
A rare headed goal for Estevao, who showed some nice interplay in his first start of pre-season. Was denied adding to his tally by two brilliant Antonin Kinsky saves.
FBL-AUS-ENG-CHELSEA-TOTTENHAM-FRIENDLY
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Cole Palmer: 6/10
Was keen to get on the ball in pockets of space to get Chelsea moving forwards, and looks as if he is going to be the catalyst for the Blues under Alonso.
Jamie Gittens: 7/10
Jamie Gittens‘ deflected cross helped get Chelsea back on level terms in the first half, and looked a threat again on the left of attack.
Joao Pedro: 7/10
Was too quick for Kevin Danso to get him sent off early in the second half, and at this point began to dominate the Spurs defence.
Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli: 6/10
Found himself in comfortable circumstances when he came on at half-time to face 10 men, but didn’t look out of place amongst Chelsea’s first team stars.
Aaron Anselmino: 7/10
Showed again that he could well have a role to play this season as a deputising left-back.
Player ratings vs Tottenham
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Dastan Satpayev: 6/10
Liam Delap: N/A
Tosin Adarabioyo: N/A
Omari Kellyman: N/A
Reggie Walsh: N/A
Reggie Watson: N/A
Josh Acheampong: N/A
Mamadou Sarr: N/A