Chelsea rounded off pre-season with a 4-1 win over AC Milan at Stamford Bridge, their eighth victory in nine games since lifting the Club World Cup.
It was a match that underlined the promise of their two new strikers and hinted at a defensive question mark that could yet shape the final weeks of the transfer window.
Let’s take a look at how and why Chelsea won this match so convincingly.
Joao Pedro: Clinical and Causing Chaos
Two goals in two games for Joao Pedro has him firmly positioned to lead the line against Crystal Palace on opening day.
Against Milan, his role was about more than scoring — though his glancing header from Pedro Neto’s cross was a reminder of his penalty-box sharpness.
It was his clever spin and acceleration onto Robert Sanchez’s long ball that forced Andrei Coubis into a desperate foul and a straight red card.
Those moments encapsulate his multi-faceted threat: intelligent movement, physical presence, and the capacity to punish hesitation.
Five goals from seven Chelsea shots is unsustainable, but his all-round profile looks like it will translate into Premier League points quickly.
Liam Delap: From Bench to Breakthrough
If Joao Pedro is the starter, Delap is proving himself the impact option Maresca has craved. Introduced just after the hour, he was instantly into centre-backs, pressing with force and unsettling Milan’s back line.
His penalty was struck with authority, his second goal even more impressive — a first-time finish after Andrey Santos’ through-ball that showed composure and timing.
Beyond the goals, Delap offered a reminder of why his physicality and direct running can change the rhythm of a match.
With Nicolas Jackson’s future still uncertain, Chelsea’s ability to switch between Pedro’s guile and Delap’s intensity gives them a valuable tactical lever.
Tosin & Chalobah: Solid Enough, But Colwill’s Absence Felt
This was Chelsea’s first real look at a Tosin Adarabioyo–Trevoh Chalobah partnership, and while they were rarely under siege after the early red card, there were spells of unease without Levi Colwill’s assured left-sided presence.
Both defenders are comfortable stepping forward in possession, but the balance Colwill brings — particularly in aerial duels and covering the left channel — was missed at times.
In theory, Jorel Hato could be an ample deputy on that side, but his age, adaptation period, and stated role as Cucurella cover suggest he may not yet be the primary option.
Aaron Anselmino and Josh Acheampong have the talent and potential, but neither has been tested at the highest level.
With three weeks left in the window, it would not be a surprise to see Chelsea explore adding another centre-back.
If nothing else, this Milan game was a reminder that depth in that area is about more than numbers — it is about proven partnerships that can withstand top-level pressure.