Chelsea ratings: Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro combine brilliantly as Marco Palestra’s defensive frailties exposed

CHELSEA appear to be peaking at the right time as Xabi Alonso’s men picked up a 3-1 win over Real Sociedad in their final pre-season game. The Blues welcomed the La Liga side to Stamford Bridge before they open the season with a west London derby away to Fulham on August 24. Joao Pedro was the star of the show for Chelsea once again as he was so many times last term Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Xabi Alonso enjoyed getting a win over the club he started his career with Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Morgan Rogers opened the scoring for Chelsea after just 11 minutes to show the home fans what they can expect from their new £117million man. Venezuelan Jon Aramburu equalised for the visitors on the stroke of half-time. Sign up for the Chelsea newsletter Thank you! However, just after the restart, Joao Pedro put Chelsea back in front off a Reece James assist. After a raft of changes for both sides, it was Pedro once again who scored in the 77th minute to seal a 3-1 win for Alonso and co. SunSport provides the detailed player ratings from Chelsea’s last friendly of the summer. ROBERT SANCHEZ – 6 Will be unhappy his defence allowed so many shots in the first half but only had to make one very good save, plus one more stop, before Sociedad grabbed a cracking equaliser.Untroubled before going off just past the hour. BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Morgan Rogers scored his first goal at Stamford Bridge to get the home fans excited Credit: Shutterstock Editorial WESLEY FOFANA – 6 Shaky early on when Sociedad found space on his side of the pitch and never looked totally in control even when he got to the pace of the game.Clearly has more of a future at Chelsea than many suspected, though, and improved as the game went on, probably looking more at ease in the centre of the back three.. MAXENCE LACROIX – 5 Started well, showing his ability to pass out from the back but then seemed to lose concentration at times. Important challenge to deny Orri Oskarsson, although there were suspicions of a foul.A solid enough debut, though, and fits the brief of Chelsea signing Premier League-ready players. Most read in Sport LEVI COLWILL – 6 Vocal and authoritative from the start, winning his duels and making good decisions on his passes. But found himself exposed by Palestra playing so high and wide in front of him.Willing to get forward at times, too. Showed the quality and leadership which Chelsea missed so much last season when he was injured. PEDRO NETO – 7 Again looked well-suited to right wing-back role. Did his defensive work more effectively than Palestra but it was his forward contribution which impressed most.Stretched Sociedad with his pace and sent in some good crosses, including the one which led to the opening goal. Switched to inside left after first wave of Chelsea subs. REECE JAMES – 6 Initially very comfortable in central midfield, spreading play ahead of opening goal and picking other good passes. But it was alarming how much space Sociedad were able to find in the Chelsea half.Excellent cross led to Pedro restoring the lead before giving way to Fernandez. MOISES CAICEDO – 6 Job was mainly to tidy up messes and keep the ball moving, which he did well enough. But probably would have been booked in a non-friendly game for first-half foul and he had a role in Chelsea losing control. Not his best outing but little to worry about either. An unintentional cool-down for the Chelsea players on the Stamford Bridge pitch Credit: Getty Images Marco Palestra offered plenty going forward, but left gaping holes in defence Credit: Hanc/Wired Photos/Shutterstock MARCO PALESTRA – 5 Offered plenty going forward early on with his movement and energy. But his less convincing contribution at the other end became more and more obvious, as he left Colwill outnumbered more than once before the equaliser. COLE PALMER – 6 Showed flashes of his ability in the odd pass or dribble or dummy or shot.But did not consistently affect the game, often having to drop deep in search of the ball. Kept trying to make things happen on a day he was outshone by the friend alongside him for an hour. MORGAN ROGERS – 7 Johnny on the spot to score, then began combining well with Joao Pedro. Stuck to inside left channel, leaving Palestra to play wide.Offered the kind of movement and runs in behind which Chelsea sometimes lacked last season. JOAO PEDRO – 8 Fine header forced save which led to Rogers goal and soon tested Sociedad ‘keeper Remiro again.Faded as Chelsea lost control of the first half, but headed in early in the second and drew another save. Confident finish to seal the game and looks set for another stellar season. SUBS MIKE PENDERS (for Sanchez, 62) – 6 Had almost nothing to do as Chelsea bossed the remainder of the game. JOSH ACHEAMPONG (for Lacroix, 62) – 6 Played on the right of the back three as Fofana tucked into the middle.Looked quick and athletic as ever, with more than one impressive surge forward. ENZO FERNANDEZ (for James, 62) – 5 Uncomfortable atmosphere as some fans booed him and others sang his name. Shoehorned into a holding role, which is not his position, but did nothing wrong. MALO GUSTO (for Rogers, 62) – 7 Not known for his defence-splitting passes but made immediate impact to set up Pedro for the goal which killed the game. Yet appears well down the pecking order now. ROMEO LAVIA (for Caicedo, 76) – 5 Could have a role to play this season in Alonso’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, but mainly as a sub or in cup games. Showed his class and strength with a run and pass through for Pedro, but also guilty of giving the ball away. JAMIE GITTENS (for Palmer, 76) – 5 Claimed a penalty after taking a tumble in the box. Signed last summer as a left winger, he was asked to play inside left this time. Must be fearing a frustrating season to come. PEP CHAVARRIA (for Palestra, 76) – 5 Another to make his Chelsea debut, playing in the same high role Palestra had occupied. Did not have much opportunity to do anything wrong or right. JORREL HATO (for Colwill, 76) – 5 Will wonder how much game time he is going to get this season after an impressive end to the last campaign. Will probably need others to get injured to regain a starting place. ESTEVAO WILLIAN (for Neto, 76) – 6 Announcement of his name brought one of the biggest cheers of the afternoon. Looked lively without making a decisive contribution and fired over bar late on. Not used GABRIEL SLONINA VALENTIN BARCO GEOVANY QUENDA Comment now