LONDON: Chelsea completed their preparations for the new Premier League season in emphatic fashion as two goals from Daniel Sturridge sealed a 3-1 victory over Scottish champions Rangers on Saturday.
Andre Villas-Boas’s team have won all six of their warm-up matches and look in good shape ahead of next Sunday’s opener at Stoke.
They conceded for the first time in pre-season when Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic headed the hosts into the lead from a Steven Naismith cross in the sixth minute at Ibrox.
But England Under-21 forward Sturridge – who spent the second half of last season on loan to Bolton – underlined his case for more first-team action at Chelsea by scoring twice before the break.
Substitute Florent Malouda, who had replaced Sturridge on the hour mark, headed in Chelsea’s third in the 72nd minute.
The scoreline could have been worse for Rangers — who crashed out of the Champions League in qualifying round in midweek — but substitute goalkeeper Neil Alexander saved Frank Lampard’s late penalty.
In Portgual, an Arsenal, missing the unsettled Cesc Fabregas, lost 2-1 to Benfica at Lisbon’s Stadium of Light.
Robin van Persie put the Gunners ahead in the first half before Benfica claimed the win with goals after the interval from Pablo Aimar and Nolito.
Liverpool concluded their pre-season with a 2-0 win over Valencia at Liverpool with Andy Carroll and Dirk Kuyt on target.
David Goodwillie scored on his Blackburn debut as Steve Kean’s side signed off their pre-season preparations with a 4-1 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
Norwich — promoted along with Swansea last season — enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win over Italian club Parma at Carrow Road.
Canaries captain Grant Holt opened the scoring and winger Andrew Surman added the third as the Canaries warmed up for next weekend’s Premier League opener at Wigan. (Agencies)
