Alonso's Chelsea sign off pre-season with a win — but Fernandez feels the heat

Chelsea ended their pre-season preparations with a 3-1 victory over Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, yet the afternoon was shadowed by audible jeers for midfielder Enzo Fernandez when he came off the bench.

Morgan Rogers announced himself to the home crowd in style, scoring his first goal for the Blues just 11 minutes into his home debut. The forward tapped in from close range after Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro could only parry Joao Pedro's header.

La Real levelled on the stroke of half-time through Jon Aramburu, but Joao Pedro settled the contest with two second-half strikes — a far-post header and an excellent breakaway effort finished off after Malo Gusto picked him out with a searching through-ball.

Alonso delighted by strong final tune-up

Alonso named a strong side for his side's final pre-season test, and the numbers backed up the performance. Chelsea generated chances worth 1.57 expected goals (xG) to Real Sociedad's 0.97, controlled 58.9% of possession and created two Opta-defined big chances without conceding any of their own.

The new head coach, taking charge at home for the first time, was thrilled by the backing his team received — even if one moment briefly soured the mood.

"It was a very good last preparation game," Alonso told Chelsea's media channels. "For some players, it was the first [friendly] and the last one. For us, there were some good things, some things we can improve. It's normal at this point.

"It was great to have all the team together. Some of them, after three days, could play for 60 minutes. It was the last test. Now we have a whole week to prepare for Fulham, but it was a good feeling in the stadium.

"It was emotional, my first time in a new home. It was a great reception from the supporters, to the team and to the new staff, myself as well, so I was delighted. We want to create good connections and have that support. We want to give them good football so they will give us energy, and then we can connect.

"To have a good atmosphere here in the stadium will be a massive boost for the team."

Fernandez's mixed reception

With Chelsea welcoming back those players who went deepest at the summer's World Cup, Argentina's Fernandez was introduced from the bench in the 62nd minute — and the reaction was far from universally warm. Some supporters jeered as he entered the pitch following a summer in which the midfielder has pushed for a move away from west London, with Real Madrid and Manchester City both credited with interest in his services.

Focus turns to Fulham

Attention now shifts to the Premier League opener. Chelsea make the short trip to Craven Cottage on August 24 to face a Fulham side they have beaten 23 times in 38 top-flight meetings, losing only four (D11).