Chelsea new signings fire Alonso to winning start in secret friendly – Read Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea began the Xabi Alonso era with a 3-1 victory over Crawley Town in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Cobham.
Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap and Emmanuel Emegha were reportedly on target as Alonso took charge of his first match since replacing Liam Rosenior.
The private fixture allowed Chelsea’s available first-team players to build fitness before the club’s overseas pre-season tour.
According to the latest match update, Gittens opened his summer account before Delap and Emegha also found the net. Crawley scored once, although Chelsea have not published an official match report or confirmed the line-ups.
Satpayev and Chelsea youngsters handed opportunities
Dastan Satpayev entered the game at half-time as Alonso assessed one of Chelsea’s most exciting young forwards.
The Kazakhstan international has joined the senior setup following his arrival from Kairat. His involvement provides an early indication that Alonso wants to assess him closely before deciding his role for the new campaign.
Academy prospects Reggie Walsh and Reggie Watson were also among the youngsters involved.
Walsh already gained first-team experience last season, while Watson has trained alongside senior players during the opening stages of pre-season.
The match followed reports from football.london that Alonso would use the Crawley game to provide minutes to new arrivals, returning senior players and academy talent.
Chelsea will play another private friendly against Bromley on Thursday. As Read Chelsea previously reported, both matches were arranged to help Alonso introduce his tactical ideas before the squad flies to Australia.
The score carries little importance at this stage, but goals for Gittens, Delap and Emegha give Chelsea’s new head coach an encouraging start.
