{"id":1327,"date":"2026-08-16T08:08:58","date_gmt":"2026-08-16T08:08:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=1327"},"modified":"2026-08-16T08:08:58","modified_gmt":"2026-08-16T08:08:58","slug":"four-winners-and-two-losers-from-chelseas-pre-season-victory-vs-real-sociedad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=1327","title":{"rendered":"Four winners and two losers from Chelsea’s pre-season victory vs Real Sociedad"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The Chelsea Chronicle have handed out winners and losers from Chelsea\u2019s final pre-season game against Real Sociedad, which ended in a 3-1 victory.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joao Pedro\u2019s<\/a> brace in the second half put the game to bed, after new signing Morgan Rogers<\/a> took just 10 minutes to score his first Chelsea goal.<\/p>\n

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The starting XI looks as if it will be very similar to the one which starts the new Premier League campaign against Fulham next weekend.<\/p>\n

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Joao Pedro leads the way, but what do you make of our player ratings?<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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JP is in electric form before the new season\u2026<\/p>\n

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Winners and losers from Chelsea 3-1 Real Sociedad<\/h2>\n

There were some very clear winners for the Blues, but also some losers ahead of the domestic campaign getting underway. Let\u2019s take a look\u2026<\/p>\n

Morgan Rogers<\/h2>\n

After joining Chelsea for a club-record fee, Rogers will have been desperate to not be waiting too long before finding the net for his new team.<\/p>\n

While it was only in pre-season, he will have been delighted to be in the right place at the right time to convert after Joao Pedro\u2019s header was saved.<\/p>\n

Building a devastating partnership with Cole Palmer will be the key for the Blues if they are to succeed this season, and the duo were both picking up the ball in threatening areas.<\/p>\n

Pedro Neto<\/h2>\n

Despite reports of Pedro Neto agreeing terms with Al Hilal<\/a> over a summer transfer, he was handed a start by Alonso in the wing-back position again.<\/p>\n

His crossing looks set to be a real strength in that role, with that being the catalyst for Rogers\u2019 goal in the first half.<\/p>\n

Neto\u2019s attacking take on the wing-back role is a new weapon for the Blues, and one they should not consider selling this summer.<\/p>\n

Robert Sanchez<\/h2>\n

Robert Sanchez<\/a> remains under pressure for his place in the side following Mike Penders\u2019 inclusion to the first team squad.<\/p>\n

After being handed the start, his manager will have been delighted to see him make a number of impressive saves, with Chelsea<\/a> not having the game all their own way.<\/p>\n

He looks set to start the Premier League opener against Fulham, and is earning that place with his pre-season displays.<\/p>\n

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Joao Pedro<\/h2>\n

Another two goals moved Joao Pedro\u2019s tally in televised pre-season games to seven, with him showing he can score a fantastic variety of goals.<\/p>\n

A bullet header as well as getting on the end of a superb through ball from Malo Gusto and finishing shows Chelsea have a complete striker who is set to have another superb season.<\/p>\n

If Cole Palmer, Rogers and Pedro can form a solid trio in attack, Chelsea have a great chance of challenging the top sides this summer.<\/p>\n

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What type of reaction did Enzo Fernandez deserve on his return for Chelsea?\ud83e\udd14<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Losers<\/h2>\n

Wesley Fofana<\/h2>\n

Despite the all-round performance being very strong for Chelsea, Wesley Fofana\u2019s<\/a> performance was perhaps the low point.<\/p>\n

The Frenchman looked erratic at the back as he tried to gain an understanding with new signing Maxence Lacroix.<\/p>\n

If Enzo Fernandez starts against Fulham, Reece James will likely drop into the back three, and this will come at the expense of Fofana.<\/p>\n

Tosin Adarabioyo<\/h2>\n

Tosin Adarabioyo was not named in the Chelsea squad for this fixture, however that in itself was a very telling factor.<\/p>\n

Valentin Barco lined up on the Chelsea bench with the number four shirt<\/a>, Tosin\u2019s previous number at Stamford Bridge.<\/p>\n

Tosin has been linked with a move to Benfica this summer, as well as Premier League clubs such as Hull City.<\/p>\n

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