{"id":66,"date":"2026-08-03T08:16:42","date_gmt":"2026-08-03T08:16:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/2026\/08\/03\/three-winners-and-two-losers-from-chelsea-vs-spurs-in-pre-season\/"},"modified":"2026-08-03T08:16:42","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T08:16:42","slug":"three-winners-and-two-losers-from-chelsea-vs-spurs-in-pre-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=66","title":{"rendered":"Three winners and two losers from Chelsea vs Spurs in pre-season"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Chelsea tasted defeat for the first time in pre-season against Tottenham in Sydney, however there were still some positives for Xabi Alonso to take.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Blues were defeated by their London rivals despite a goal from Estevao Willian<\/a>, and dominance throughout the second half following Kevin Danso\u2019s red card.<\/p>\n

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Despite a strong starting side from Alonso<\/a>, the academy stars were again given their chance to feature on the latter stages, where a Richarlison goal put an end to their chances of going to penalties.<\/p>\n

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Which Chelsea players impressed you against Tottenham? Who needs to improve before the Fulham game?<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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The Chelsea Chronicle<\/strong> have determined who the winners and losers are from their final game in Sydney, before making the trip to Hong Kong.<\/p>\n

Winners<\/h2>\n

Estevao Willian<\/h2>\n

Estevao was amongst the goals for the first time during this pre-season campaign, and showed very promising signs alongside the likes of Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer in attack.<\/p>\n

It took two brilliant saves from Antonin Kinsky to stop the Brazilian from adding to his tally, before he was replaced for Dastan Satpayev in the second half.<\/p>\n

Estevao is in with a shout of starting the Premier League opener, and that has only been enhanced by his performance in Sydney.<\/p>\n

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Marco Palestra<\/h2>\n

While many believed Chelsea were signing Marco Palestra<\/a> for his attacking capabilities, he proved against Tottenham he is more than capable defending his own goal too.<\/p>\n

The Italian started at right-back of a back four, and held down his position well whilst also being involved in nice interplay going the other way.<\/p>\n

Reece James<\/a> is going to offer serious competition for a place in the side, however Palestra has proven he will be a very useful addition for the Blues.<\/p>\n

Romeo Lavia<\/h2>\n

Alonso would give anything for Romeo Lavia<\/a> to get over his injury woes this season, and his performance against Spurs showed why.<\/p>\n

The Belgian received a pass on the edge of his own box under immense pressure, before turning and sending Chelsea on their way to a goal within 15 seconds.<\/p>\n

Lavia possesses a brilliant ability to retain the ball which the likes of Moises Caicedo do not have, and he can be a serious asset to Chelsea should he remain fit.<\/p>\n

Losers<\/h2>\n

Wesley Fofana<\/h2>\n

Wesley Fofana<\/a> is facing a serious challenge to keep his place in the Chelsea side following the signing of Maxence Lacroix<\/a>, and he didn\u2019t take his chance against Spurs.<\/p>\n

While some of issues in possession can be put down to the dodgy playing surface that met both teams, the Frenchman didn\u2019t cover himself in glory with his defending at all.<\/p>\n

Levi Colwill alongside him had a far easier time of things, and Fofana has not set himself up to start against Fulham in the Premier League opener.<\/p>\n

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Xabi Alonso only wants \u2018four or five\u2019 centre-backs next season\u2026<\/p>\n

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Mike Penders<\/h2>\n

Arguably the biggest loser for Chelsea from today is Mike Penders<\/a>, a man who is not even currently with Alonso\u2019s side in Sydney.<\/p>\n

Robert Sanchez\u2019s<\/a> injury kept him out of this game, meaning Teddy Sharman-Lowe was handed the full 90 minutes against Spurs.<\/p>\n

Blame will not be left at his door for the defeat, but the opportunity was perfect for Penders to stake his claim for a place in the side next season.<\/p>\n

The youngster is entitled to a break following his World Cup exploits, however the fact he didn\u2019t play a minute should mean fatigue is not an issue at this stage.<\/p>\n

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