What we learned from Xabi Alonso’s first Chelsea match including the area screaming out for transfer reinforcements

XABI ALONSO began his tenure with a ten goal thriller and plenty of pointers as to who is up to the task at Chelsea. The Blues were opened up a number of times by Western Sydney Wanderers, but managed to come out on top, with Joao Pedro bagging a hat-trick. Xabi Alonso will have learned a lot about the youngsters and senior players at Chelsea Credit: PA Liam Delap struggled in the 6-4 friendly win over Western Sydney Wanderers Credit: Getty Alonso named a very young side for his first official pre-season game against the side which finished bottom of the Australian A-League last season. While many have expected a back three from the Spaniard this season, he named a side with a back four, having done so in the two behind closed doors friendly wins which preceded the trip Down Under. Sign up for the Chelsea newsletter Thank you! One of those youngsters given a chance was 17-year-old Kazakhstan striker Datsan Satpayev, playing as a trialist given he is not technically a Blues player yet. Despite that, the forward made a flying start to life in blue, bagging a fine opener after just seven minutes thanks to a fine ball from academy star Ryan Kavuma-McQueen. The summer signing from Kairat Almaty, whose parents had to give permission for him to be involved in the tour, showed plenty of positive signs, a constant threat down the left and also drifting inside. A decision is yet to be taken on where his future lies, whether as part of Alonso’s squad or away on loan for the season. Chelsea were lacking rhythm, understandable at this stage of preparations, but still would have been stunned to find themselves behind after half an hour, with goals from Anthony Pantazopoulos – a far post header – and Aydan Hammond. It is clear to see why defensive recruitments have been targeted. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Jamie Gittens impressed off the bench Credit: AFP Tosin Adarabioyo and Josh Acheampong, the latter at fault for the second goal, never looked comfortable together here. Despite the hype around academy product Acheampong, Alonso clearly needs some convincing that he is ready to be a part of his plans. There are plenty on this trip who know they are fighting for a future under the new manager. That fact was underlined as Filip Jorgensen returned to London on the day of the game, having only arrived on Saturday and trained twice. Liam Delap, the striker signed for £30million last summer, is certainly one of those with work to do if they are to remain at the club – and this was not a good start. A day after it emerged that Danny Welbeck would be arriving from Brighton to add further competition for places, Delap was a fringe player in Sydney – struggling to get involved in the game. The former Ipswich man is clearly talented, but a disappointing first season means the pressure is now on each and every chance the striker is given and Pedro’s treble after replacing him hardly helped. Chelsea levelled again through a fine Dario Essugo goal, but twice needed to come behind in the second half. Jamie Gittens cancelled out Dylan Scicluna’s low strike before a cool Joao Pedro finish was needed after Awan Lual had pounced on some sloppy work from Estevao Willian and Reggie Watson. Chelsea ratings vs Western Sydney Wanderers Teddy Sharman-Lowe – 5Made a couple of decent stops but looked a little unsure of himself at times. Tayo Subuloye – 6Usually plays at centre-back in the academy but did not look too out of place on the right of a back four. Josh Acheampong – 5Beaten far too easily for Western Sydney Wanderers’ second goal, not a defensive pairing we will see too often based on this evidence. Tosin Adarabioyo – 4A shaky start to pre-season for the former Fulham man. Looked poor on the ball and almost gifted another goal straight after the Blues had conceded their second. Landon Emenalo – 6Not afraid to get forward whenever Chelsea were on the ball, combining well with those ahead of him. A promising outing. Should have scored after a smart run to meet Reggie Watson’s ball. Reggie Walsh – 7Plenty to like about this appearance, including a fine ball to tee up Essugo’s equaliser. Reggie Watson – 6Not afraid to let the opponents know he was there, Watson got stuck into some tough challenges in midfield. Came close to a goal with a dangerous free-kick and showed good ability on the ball too. The only player to play a full 90 minutes. Dario Essugo – 7A midfielder we saw precious little of last season due to injury. Took his goal exceptionally well, a fine finish after a smart one-two. Ryan Kavuma-McQueen – 7Played a fantastic ball to send Satpayev through for his early opener. Dastan Satpayev – 7Considering he is not even techincally a Chelsea player, playing as a trialist, the young forward took his goal with great confidence. Liam Delap – 4A day after news that Danny Welbeck would be added to his list of competitors, Delap struggle to stake any sort of claim to a starting spot. SUBS Madhi Nicoll-Jazuli – 6A special evening for the Syndey-born midfielder. Not a standout showing but a number of Omari Kellyman – 6Introduced at half-time but had very little time to make any impact, replaced on just 63 minutes. Robert Sanchez – 6Could not do much about the goal he conceded and, aside from that, was hardly called upon. Estevao Willian – 5Worked hard to get into the game but lacking sharpness having missed the end of last season through injury. Still showed pace with a run in behind but found the side netting. Levi Colwill – 6Chelsea were far more assured after their academy graduate, who missed almost all of last season through injury, entered the pitch just after the hour mark. Marco Palestra – 6With most of the action coming down the left it was a quiet first appearance for the Italian, who took a hefty kick late on but appeared fine. Aaron Anselmino – 6Played out of position at left-back but provided the platform for Jamie Gittens to shine. Jamie Gittens – 7Made an instant impact from the bench, adding another level of pace and quality. Took his goal well having been denied moments before. A good start for a player needing a big pre-season. Cole Palmer – 6Looked to be struggling to get to grips with the game before providing a fine, zipped assist for Pedro’s second goal. Wesley Fofana – 6With Chelsea dominating, the defenders were not needed too much but the Frenchman was adept on the ball at times. Joao Pedro – 8A player with a point to prove after his shock exclusion from the Brazil World Cup squad. The Chelsea Blueprint on YouTube Calling all Chelsea fans - we have a brand new YouTube channel! Alonso had introduced a number of senior stars shortly after the hour mark, and while Estevao struggled to get going, others made their mark. Pedro, playing for the first time since his Brazil World Cup snub, combined superbly with Gittens down the left, and was on hand to put Chelsea ahead for the first time since the 14th minute – the ninth goal of the game – played in well by Cole Palmer before finishing low. The Brazilian bundled in his third, and Chelsea’s fifth, in the 90th minute. It was an encouraging night for Gittens too. A hamstring injury cut short an already disappointing first season as a Chelsea player, but Gittens is determined to make up for lost time. The former Borussia Dortmund man spent his time off working training individually each and every day in Portugal and Marbella and it showed here, with Gittens looking far sharper than a number of his teammates. Comment now