Chelsea kicked off their pre-season preparations with a 1-0 win over Perth Glory in Australia.
The game was Maurizio Sarri’s first since taking over at the club and there was plenty of changes for the Italian’s first game in charge.
The Blues reverted to a 4-3-3 with Jorginho, Cesc Fabregas and Ross Barkley lining up in a midfield three.
There was also a look into the future with the likes of Marcin Bulka, Ethan Ampadu and Callum Hudson-Odio all starting the game.
Given the lack of fitness, new systems and weaker opposition it can be hard to judge pre-season, but we’ve dished out some player ratings from the first game.
GK – Marcin Bulka – 6
Bulka did not really have a lot to do during the first half. Reacted well when called upon.
RB – Davide Zappacosta – 7
Got forward at every opportunity, with the Blues still looking to include that attacking option that they held in a three-back last season.
CB – David Luiz – 6
The Brazilian was not tested too much but led from the back as one of the few senior players starting the game.
CB – Ethan Ampadu – 6
Always looked to step into midfield with the ball at his feet, a pattern of play we can expect to see more of going forward. Looked just as promising as last season.
LB – Marcos Alonso – 5
The Spaniard was caught out on a couple of occasions as he adjusts to life in a back four again.
CM – Jorginho – 9
Showed signs of what is to come, dropping very deep to collect the ball. The Italian completely ran the show and looked very comfortable on the ball. Tougher games will come but positive early signs from Chelsea’s summer signing.
CM – Cesc Fabregas – 7
Mirrored Jorginho with some brilliant passes, going forward there may be some concerns about how they both fit into the side. Should have scored in the first half.
CM – Ross Barkley – 8
Made some promising runs from deep and looked a goal threat. Needs to be a little more clinical in front of goal, because, in truth, he should have had a couple to his name.
RW – Pedro – 7
The Spaniard took a nice and early goal to calm a few pre-season nerves.
ST – Alvaro Morata – 4
Made some promising runs but could not get on the end of anything, still looks a little shy of confidence. Although it is early in pre-season, his performance will not do much to squash any rumours about his future.
LW – Callum Hudson-Odoi – 7
A brilliant cross to set up Pedro. Showed his promise with plenty of time on the ball. He has the speed to burn, but the final ball was questionable, something he will learn with more game time.
Subs:
Tiemoue Bakayoko (45′) – 6
Looked physically imposing after coming off the bench. Struggled to make an impact with the tempo of the game dropping in the second half.
Emerson (45′) – 6
Took up some slightly more advanced positions compared to Alonso and offered a little more in the final third. He did get caught out when attacking on a couple of occasions in the final moments.
Mario Pasalic (45′) – 5.5
Kept things ticking over in midfield without shining, possibly his last game for Chelsea.
Tammy Abraham (61′) – 6
Had a great chance just after coming on but the defender did enough to put him off.
Tomas Kalas (61′) – 5
Stepped in for the young Ampadu, and dealt with some late Perth pressure. A few shaky moments, but it remained 1-0.
Ola Aina (72′) – 5
Did his defensive duties when required, but failed to make much of an impact as Chelsea saw the game out.
Lucas Piazon (72′) – 5
Had a great chance to get on the scoresheet late on, but hit his shot straight at the goalkeeper.
Charly Musonda (75′) – 4
With the way the game ended, Musonda did not get much time to impress as the match petered out.
