Chelsea kicked off their pre-season preparations with a hard-fought win against London rivals Crystal Palace, offering fans a glimpse of what to expect under new tactical influences.
Match Overview
In a lively encounter at Chelsea's training ground, both sides displayed attacking intent from the outset. The Blues, showing early signs of adaptation to Maresca's philosophy, controlled possession but faced stubborn resistance from Patrick Vieira's organised Palace side.
Key Moments
- First Half: Chelsea dominated proceedings with their new-look midfield trio dictating tempo
- Second Half: Palace grew into the game, testing Chelsea's reshaped defence on several occasions
- Decisive Goal: A well-worked team move finished clinically by one of Chelsea's attacking players
Tactical Takeaways
Maresca's influence was evident in Chelsea's build-up play, with:
- Increased emphasis on positional rotations
- Higher defensive line than last season
- More aggressive pressing triggers
Player Performances
Several Chelsea players stood out, particularly in midfield where the new system seemed to suit their skillsets. Palace's young attackers also caused problems, suggesting Vieira has exciting options at his disposal.
The match ended with Chelsea narrowly ahead, though both managers will take plenty of positives from this competitive workout.
