Chelsea vs Real Sociedad Player Ratings – Joao Pedro is fantastic, Morgan Rogers’ dream debut, Category 7/10

Chelsea 3-1 Real Sociedad: Player ratings from Stamford Bridge, where Xabi Alonso marked his debut on the pitch with a resounding victory.

Joao Pedro saw the Xabi Alonso era at Stamford Bridge start with a bang, as he led Chelsea to a 3-1 thrashing of Real Sociedad. The Blues striker picked up where he left off last season, scoring twice in each of the halves.

Morgan Rogers broke the deadlock in the opening quarter-hour of the game, pounced on to block Alex Remiro’s shot inside the six-yard box. Shortly before the end of the first half, John Mikel Aramburu equalized the score for Real Sociedad, beating Robert Sanchez with a direct shot from outside the penalty area.

Joao Pedro put Chelsea back in front a few moments later, leaping over his marker to fire the ball into the bottom corner. Then, after plenty of changes and a mixed reception for Enzo Fernandes, the Blues striker doubled his tally on the afternoon.

He collected a brilliant pass from Malo Giusto, who came on for Rogers on the hour mark, exploiting the Spanish side’s high line before slotting the ball into the far corner. Pedro, as he has done throughout pre-season and since joining Chelsea last year, fired his side over the line.

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So, with that being said, Football.London He evaluated each Chelsea player’s performance against Wolves.

Starting lineup

Robert Sanchez – 7

Shortly after the first-half water break, Sanchez made a fine save to deny the visitors an equaliser, earning a roar and a round of applause from the Stamford Bridge fans.

Marco Balestra – 6

With Reece James in midfield alongside Moises Caicedo and Pedro Neto on the right, Palestra was deployed on the left. Chelsea’s new defender looked as lively as ever, bombing up and down the wing. He could be a great outlet for the Blues this season.

Wesley Fofana – 6

Fofana is back to his best, but more importantly fit! There was a particular incident at the beginning of the second half when he came back at full speed to defend a counter-attack… We won his duel and his hamstring remained intact. solid.

Maxence Lacroix – 6

Lacroix was deployed in the middle of a back three while in possession. He looked confident and composed in defence, winning the ball back at every opportunity.

Levi Colwell – 6

Colwell was used as a left centre-back, which certainly played to his strengths. The Cobham graduate broke the lines well and fed Palestra regularly on the wing.

Reece James – 7

Although Alonso seems to be leaning towards a back three, especially while in possession, James can continue to play in midfield. The new Chelsea boss will want to maintain his captain’s fitness and shooting ability, so the midfield role could be his line of thinking.

James found the sweet spot shortly after the restart, finding Pedro at the back post with a delightful cross. The Blues striker, who had been a threat throughout the match, jumped over his marker and slotted the ball into the net.

Moises Caicedo – 7

Caicedo had another good match for Chelsea, albeit a bit quiet. With the exception of a strong tackle in the first half, which came late, the Blues midfielder pulled the strings very well, keeping the ball in the middle of the pitch.

Pedro Neto – 6

Neto didn’t set the world on fire, but he did make a huge shift on the right side, mainly as a wing-back. The Chelsea winger may be the best finished product, but he suffers from a lot of bravado, which makes it difficult for any coach to take him off the field.

Cole Palmer – 7

Palmer slipped during the game on Saturday afternoon. Although the Blues talisman is not on the scoresheet, he appears to be just two games away from returning to his best. Great signs.

Morgan Rogers – 7

Rogers marked his first start for Chelsea with a goal, pounced on a loose ball inside the opposition’s six-yard box. Remiro blocked a powerful header from Pedro into the path of the new blue signing. Great start.

Joao Pedro – 9

Pedro is picking up where he left off last season. A towering header in the first quarter of an hour or so led to a foul, putting the ball at Rogers’ feet for the opener.

He etched his name on the scoresheet shortly after half-time, winning another aerial duel at the back post, this time beating Remiro. Pedro doubled his tally of the afternoon in the 75th minute, exploiting space behind Real Sociedad’s backline before finding the bottom far corner.

Alternatives

Enzo Fernandes (60′) – 6

Fernandez received a mixed reception. Some booed while others chanted his name!

Malo Gusto (60′) – 6

It didn’t take long for Gusteau to make his mark. A quarter of an hour or so after coming on, Chelsea’s right-back passed the ball to Pedro, who scored his second goal of the match.

Josh Acheampong (60′) – 6

Acheampong has shown promise. With a little help and guidance from Alonso, the Cobham graduate could quickly become a key player.

Mike Penders (60′) – None

Penders didn’t have much to do.

Jimmy Gittins (75′) – 6

Gittins didn’t pick up where he left off during the pre-season tour of Australia and Asia, but he did well.

Estévão Willian (75′) – 6

Estevao made a good impression coming off the bench. The Chelsea winger was just as direct when he had the ball as he was tenacious in winning the ball back when he didn’t have it.

Gurel Hato (75′) –

Hato enjoyed a powerful run into the opposition half shortly before the end of normal time. The Chelsea defender raced forward, splitting Real Sociedad in half before passing to Pedro, who would likely have scored his third had he not slipped in at the last minute.

Pep Chavarria (75′) – 6

Chavarria didn’t set the world on fire, but he didn’t have much to do for justice. Chelsea’s new left-back has seamlessly slotted into the back line. Solid player.

Romeo Lavia (75′) – 6

Lafia found himself in the same boat. Recycle possession and rarely, if ever, lose the ball. Hopefully he can maintain his fitness this season.

Chelsea starting lineup: Chelsea starting lineup: Sanchez (Penders 60′); Fofana, Lacroix (Josh Acheampong 60), Colwell (Hato 75), Balestra (Chavarria 75), James (Fernandez 60). Caicedo (Lafia 75), Neto (Estevao 75), Palmer (Gittins 75), Rogers (Malo Gusto 60). Joao Pedro.