Morgan Rogers scores first Chelsea goal as fans make Enzo Fernandez feelings clear

Morgan Rogers scores first Chelsea goal as fans make Enzo Fernandez feelings clear

Chelsea wrapped up their preparations for the new season with a comfortable win over La Liga side Real Sociedad on Saturday

Chelsea concluded pre-season with a 3-1 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday afternoon. The Blues got off to the perfect start with Morgan Rogers netting his first goal for Xabi Alonso's side 11 minutes into his debut.

Joao Pedro's header landed in Rogers' path for a simple tap-in. But Alonso's men were run ragged for much of the first half - indebted to several smart saves from Robert Sanchez.

Chelsea were eventually punished with a stunning volley from Jon Aramburu shortly before half-time to draw the visitors level. Alonso opted to send out an unchanged side in the second half, and his players responded. Joao Pedro rose highest from a brilliant Reece James cross to restore Chelsea's lead in the 47th minute.

The Brazilian then got his brace to seal the win with a fine finish in the 77th minute. Here are Mirror Football's talking points from the game...

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Rogers impact

Morgan Rogers has begun life at Chelsea in perfect fashion. The former Aston Villa star played his first match since England's third-placed playoff victory over France at the World Cup this summer.

And off the back of an impressive campaign at Villa Park - the ex-Middlesbrough attacker impressed before being replaced early into the first-half.

Enzo booed

Enzo Fernandez certainly did not get the reception he would have hoped for when coming on in the second half. The 25-year-old was given an extended break after reaching the World Cup final with Argentina - a match which saw him sent off.

That red card came after he scored the equaliser in the semi-final against England and celebrated by cupping his ears in front of the supporters. Could it be his behaviour in that last four victory over the Three Lions which caused such fury?

Or the transfer speculation linking him with first Real Madrid and then Manchester City? Whatever it was, the midfielder has some work to do if he wants to win back the support of the Blues faithful - though there were pockets of cheers included with the booing.

Pedro still in form

After an impressive debut campaign at Stamford Bridge, there will have been concerns of a drop off, particularly after missing out on the World Cup squad with Brazil.

But the forward played a key role in Rogers' goal before scoring himself at the start of the second half. He then wrapped up the win with a superb finish. A sharp pre-season for the striker.

Sanchez impresses

For all of Robert Sanchez's deserved criticism, the Spaniard put on a convincing display today with several key saves in the first half. It was the former Brighton keeper's best performance in a Chelsea jersey for some time.

But for his sharp stops in the opening 45 minutes, Alonso's team would have been behind at the break. Instead, the Spanish shot-stopper has given his manager some food for thought over his side's perceived goalkeeping issues.

Palmer off it

Cole Palmer has work to do if he is to be ready for Chelsea's Premier League opener at Fulham on August 24. The talented Englishman had the summer off after not being involved in Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad, but still doesn't look up to speed.

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