Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
The end result is not important, however there are still plenty of things Xabi Alonso will have learned about his players from Chelsea’s pre-season defeat to Tottenham.
The Blues showed plenty of promising signs in attack again against Spurs, marked by Estevao’s headed goal in the first half.
However, some familiar issues going back to even when Enzo Maresca was in charge reared their head again, with problems that need solving before the new season gets underway.
Player ratings vs Tottenham
Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images
Three things learned from Chelsea vs Spurs in pre-season
Let’s take a look at three things we learned about the Blues from their defeat to Spurs in Sydney.
Xabi Alonso is sticking with 4-2-3-1
There has been much debate over what formation Alonso will use at Chelsea, however it looks as if he will not be bringing his three-back system with him from Bayer Leverkusen.
The Blues set up in a 4-2-3-1 system against Premier League opposition, suggesting that will be his plan when the domestic campaign gets underway.
Marco Palestra and Jorrel Hato started as wide defenders, and played very traditional full-back roles, rather than inverting into midfield.
This will come as a bonus for Reece James, who may struggle to keep up with the demands of playing as a high-energy wing-back.
Chelsea FC v Tottenham: Sydney Super Cup
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Romeo Lavia is crucial
Chelsea fans have not seen enough of Romeo Lavia since he joined the club, although he was back in the starting side to face Spurs.
The Belgian’s brilliance on the ball in tight areas set Chelsea up for their goal, taking them from a precarious position in their own box to scoring within 15 seconds.
Infamously, Lavia is yet to complete 90 minutes since joining the club, and he will be hoping that poor record comes to an end this season.
If it does, it is encouraging for Chelsea, with him having a skillset matched by few in the Premier League.
Problems to solve breaking down a low block
It has been a common sight for a number of seasons that Chelsea have struggled to break down their opponents when they are set up behind the ball.
This happened in Sydney when Spurs went down to 10 men in the second half, with the Blues having plenty of possession but were unable to add to their goal tally.
They were stalled by some brilliant goalkeeping by Antonin Kinsky, but it was a similar story in terms of getting caught on the break after all their pressure.
This time, the result was not important, although this is an issue Chelsea need to iron out before the Premier League campaign gets underway.