How Chelsea's shock revealed Popovic's number one priority

The match last night between Perth Glory and Chelsea may have been only a friendly match, but both groups of fans have a lot to discuss about the spinoffs.

READ: Who shone in Chelsea v Glory? [19659002] REPORT: Chelsea beats Perth at Optus Stadium

Clues to style and form were revealed at both ends as new eras began in both shelters

Here's what we learned from Perth vs. Chelsea …

Setting Up Popa Shaped

Given the standard of opposition, Tony Popovic would have been a brave man to bring out all the flaming weapons against Chelsea. Instead, the boss of Perth opted for a conservative approach against the Blues to cancel Maurizio Sarri's star catalog.

After playing a 3-4-2-1 squad in last season's friendly, Popovic used three. back once more against the Stamford Bridge outfit. Scott Neville and Ivan Franjic started the game in the left and right positions of the wing, while Alex Grant and Dino Djulbic faced Shane Lowry at the play center.

Despite the unique nature of the match It was more evidence that the new leader Glory has made the defensive ability of his team his number one priority in the pre-season. The soft center of Perth has sometimes been the heel of Achilles in recent seasons, and Chelsea's challenge offered Glory an excellent opportunity to put Popovic's ideals into practice.

Concentration, pace of work and discipline are the cornerstones of the former Socceroo defenders' game plan and they were all exposed in an encouraging 90 minute period. Although Glory struggled to keep the ball and be lucky at times while Chelsea's post and falls reduced the deficit to a minimum, Popovic probably considered the outing a success

SANTALAB shows no signs of slowing down. 19659006] There were doubts about the viability of Brendon Santalab as a bench option for Glory this season, the veteran striker has repressed those with a superb late cameo.

The 35-year-old came into the fray late for Andy Keogh, who had cut off an isolated character for most of the match. Chelsea had a foothold on Perth Gorge for much of the match, but the arrival of Santalab raised the local team and disrupted the ease with which the Londoners controlled the match

. the headers just buckle a bit and make a long distance effort until the last kick of the game.

Overall, it was a solid start to the day. former Western Sydney Wanderers who will have no trouble becoming a fan favorite.

THE HEART OF KILKENNY GLORY BEATS

In a match that saw Chelsea dominate possession and control the affair through the majestic Cesc Fabregas, Glory's glamorous moments on the ball were rare .

But when the hosts advanced, Neil Kilkenny was a major player in breaking the chains of the team.

The 32-year-old used his experience to navigate the Chelsea press and circulate the ball. when it is possible. Kilkenny was one of the few Perth players to be able to play the ball forward and build pbades for the Glory.

Kilkenny's brave performance has been complemented by a mountain of hard work that will please his new boss even more. As the oldest Glory ranking midfielder, Kilkenny could be the man to lead the Perth engine room this season

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