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Aug 17, 2026, 9:31 AM·1 views

Rogers helps Chelsea win in Alonso's first home match

Morgan Rogers made his first appearance in a Chelsea shirt since signing from Aston Villa [Getty Images] Morgan Rogers scored as Chelsea beat Real Sociedad 3-1 in their final pre-season friendly at Stamford Bridge. The…

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PolicyDriftRogers helps Chelsea win in Alonso's first home match

Morgan Rogers made his first appearance in a Chelsea shirt since signing from Aston Villa [Getty Images] Morgan Rogers scored as Chelsea beat Real Sociedad 3-1 in their final pre-season friendly at Stamford Bridge..

Morgan Rogers puts his arm in the air in celebration
Morgan Rogers made his first appearance in a Chelsea shirt since signing from Aston Villa [Getty Images]

Morgan Rogers scored as Chelsea beat Real Sociedad 3-1 in their final pre-season friendly at Stamford Bridge.

The £117m club-record signing from Aston Villa put Chelsea ahead after 10 minutes, but Sociedad equalised just before half-time through Jon Mikel Aramburu's volley from the edge of the penalty area.

Joao Pedro restored Chelsea's lead with a close-range header shortly after the break before adding a third late on to seal victory.

Substitute Enzo Fernandez was booed by sections of the crowd with Chelsea set to keep the midfielder after no club elected to reach their £120m valuation before Friday's deadline.

How did Chelsea's players perform in Xabi Alonso's first game at Stamford Bridge?

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Starting XI

Robert Sanchez: The goalkeeper made two fine saves from Jon Martin and another when Orri Oskarsson was through one-on-one before half-time. 8

Wesley Fofana: Alongside Pedro Neto, he failed to pick up Ander Barrenetxea as Sociedad created an early chance. However, he recovered well and produced a solid display. 6

Maxence Lacroix: Already vocal at the heart of Chelsea's back three, Lacroix impressed early on but appeared to tire after only recently returning following his participation at the World Cup. 6

Levi Colwill: Looked fit and comfortable on the ball. He also made a couple of crucial blocks and lasted 76 minutes. 7

Pedro Neto: The only starter linked with a move away. His attacking play was impressive, with his cross leading to a goal, while his dribbling caused Sociedad plenty of problems. 7

Reece James: Another World Cup participant who was not quite at his best, but his trademark cross set up Joao Pedro's second goal. 6

Moises Caicedo: Went into the book for a challenge on Yangel Herrera but looked physically impressive as he broke up play in midfield. 7

Marco Palestra: Looks in top shape but the wing-back was not as effective in the final third as he had been in previous pre-season matches. 6

Cole Palmer: Drifted in and out of the game but worked hard throughout. He grew into the contest and produced some neat creative moments in the second half before being substituted. 6

Joao Pedro: Chelsea's standout performer in pre-season with eight goals. He headed his team back in front before racing clear and slotting past Alex Remiro in the 77th minute to seal victory. 9

Morgan Rogers: Looked sharp with his movement off the ball and was in the right place to tap in the opener after just seven minutes. He naturally faded as the game wore on after only recently returning to training. 8

Substitutes

Mike Penders: The second-choice goalkeeper had little to do after coming on. 6

Josh Acheampong: Kept things steady on the right-hand side of Chelsea's back three. 7

Jorrel Hato: Overhit a pass when Joao Pedro was through on goal and chasing his hat-trick. 5

Malo Gusto: Produced an excellent pass with his weaker left foot to set up Joao Pedro's second and Chelsea's third goal. 8

Romeo Lavia: Helped Chelsea maintain control in midfield after coming on. 6

Enzo Fernandez: Used the ball well under pressure, not least from sections of the crowd, who both booed and cheered him amid the uncertainty surrounding his future. Hit a late shot just over with almost the final touch of the game. 7

Pep Chavarria: The new arrival was not given much time to make an impact after coming on. 6

Jamie Gittens: Similarly saw little of the ball as Chelsea looked to protect their lead. 6

Estevao Willian: Miscontrolled the ball with his first touch during a brief cameo but later fired narrowly over. 6

Unused substitutes: Slonina, Barco, Essugo, Quenda.

Image from article: Rogers helps Chelsea win in Alonso's first home match
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