{"id":755,"date":"2026-08-09T13:07:42","date_gmt":"2026-08-09T13:07:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=755"},"modified":"2026-08-09T13:07:42","modified_gmt":"2026-08-09T13:07:42","slug":"xabi-alonsos-first-genius-call-pays-off-in-chelsea-win-over-ac-milan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=755","title":{"rendered":"Xabi Alonso’s first genius call pays off in Chelsea win over AC Milan"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The new Chelsea was on full display against AC Milan, as Xabi Alonso\u2019s men looked totally dominant. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Chelsea seized complete control of their pre-season clash against AC Milan in Jakarta, scoring three goals in five minutes to make it 3-0, as Joao Pedro grabbed a brace, then Moises Caicedo added a third.<\/p>\n

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It\u2019s the first time under Xabi Alonso that the Blues have looked utterly dominant and in control after losing to Tottenham and Juventus in their previous two games. <\/p>\n

But one of the biggest positives was the fact that two of the goals came from set-pieces, as well as a clean sheet for the first time on the pre-season tour.<\/p>\n

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Josh Acheampong and Joao Pedro were brilliant vs AC Milan!<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Did anyone else catch your eye?<\/p>\n

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Austin MacPhee working wonders at Chelsea<\/h2>\n

Austin MacPhee joined Chelsea<\/a> in as set-piece coach this summer under Xabi Alonso after five successful years at Aston Villa. <\/p>\n

At Villa Park, MacPhee built one of Europe\u2019s most lethal dead-ball units, consistently topping the Premier League charts, as well as scoring the second most set-piece goals in Europe behind Arsenal. <\/p>\n

His hard work was on full show against AC Milan, as Moises Caicedo\u2019s inswinging corner was met by Joao Pedro, while Moises Caicedo scored from the edge of the box straight from a corner. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s these kinds of goals and outside of the box thinking that was missing at Chelsea last season. <\/p>\n

Xabi Alonso personally brought in Austin MacPhee from Aston Villa to transform Chelsea\u2019s set-piece threat. He knows trophies take more than just talent on the pitch, they require elite minds behind the scenes. <\/p>\n

Adding proven specialists is all about building a ruthless backroom culture obsessed with winning every marginal gain.<\/p>\n

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