Chelsea 5-1 Bournemouth: Alonso praises Henderson’s all-round display after emphatic victory

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said Jordan Henderson “did everything” in the 5-1 Premier League victory over Bournemouth, while admitting he could not explain the club’s run of early goals.

Henderson scored twice and set up another as Chelsea secured their first league win since the end of August. Joao Pedro also scored twice and Morgan Rogers added the other goal, lifting Chelsea temporarily into the top five.

Speaking after the match, Alonso was particularly pleased with Henderson’s contribution.

“When he can score two beautiful goals like today, we are more than happy with him,” Alonso said, as reported by Football London. “But apart from the goals, he did many good things. I thought his performance was very complete.

“We were in control for most of the game, so I am happy with that. We also had good defensive stability, apart from a few situations in the first half.”

Chelsea briefly lost control after Bournemouth pulled the score back to 3-1, but restored their three-goal advantage eight minutes later.

“After we conceded the goal, we were not in control for eight minutes until we scored the fourth,” Alonso said. “But overall I am happy with the game and the performance. There are many positives for the future and other things we need to continue working on.”

He also highlighted Henderson’s influence beyond his goals, as well as the return of Moises Caicedo, who played 65 minutes.

“Apart from the goals, he gave us the performance of a real midfielder,” Alonso added. “He was always involved in the game and giving solutions to his team-mates. He communicates with everyone.

“It was important for Moi to play 65 minutes. There are many good pieces of news today.”

Caicedo return and Chelsea’s early goals

Alonso believes Henderson and Caicedo complement each other in midfield despite offering different qualities.

“They are different in terms of their attributes,” he said. “In terms of positioning, they help each other well. They provide presence and stability, and they will be the players who help the others.

“Defensively, they also give us good balance. It is essential that we make this area strong.”

Caicedo was not expected to complete the match as part of a planned return from injury.

“The plan was not for him to play the whole game, even though we always want him on the pitch,” Alonso said. “He did well. We are better in midfield with him. This is something we can build on.”

Asked about Chelsea’s repeated success in scoring early, Alonso said he could take no credit for the trend.

“I have nothing to do with it, so I do not have an answer,” he said. “We always talk about trying to start the game with good energy, but I cannot explain it and I do not deserve any credit.

“It has never happened to me before that we have scored so many early goals in such a short period.”

Alonso also welcomed Cole Palmer’s contract extension, saying Chelsea wanted to keep their best young players for many years. “I am not the contracts man,” he joked.

He described Rogers as “young, fresh, strong, quick” and a “very complete modern footballer” who was enjoying his football and having a major influence.

On Reece James, Alonso said the defender had felt something and undergone tests later in the afternoon. “He has minor problems with his knee,” he said. “We will see how long it takes and assess it week by week.”