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Jordan Henderson Scores Twice as Xabi Alonso Pairs Moises Caicedo and Henderson in Chelsea 5-1 Bournemouth Win
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Jordan Henderson scored twice as Chelsea beat Bournemouth 5-1. Moisés Caicedo returned from injury and started for Chelsea.
13 outlets told this the same way.
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Blues’ 5-1 statement
Chelsea produced their most complete performance of the season in a 5-1 victory over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge, with Jordan Henderson scoring his first two goals for the club. Xabi Alonso paired Moises Caicedo and Jordan Henderson in midfield for the first time as Chelsea’s attacking trio of Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers drove the win. Henderson opened the scoring with a curling effort after 66 seconds and then added a 25-yard free-kick to complete the victory, while he also set up Rogers for the second goal after just two minutes and 30 seconds.
Chelsea’s official match report said Henderson teed up by Cole Palmer “whipped a 20-yard shot home via the post,” and it described Rogers collecting a pass from Henderson and curling a shot home 60 seconds later. The official report also recorded that Joao Pedro drilled a shot into the net after good work from Pedro Neto to make it 3-0 within a minute of the restart.
Alonso, Merson praise
Xabi Alonso said the midfield balance was the point of the partnership, telling reporters, “We have seen Moises Caicedo in alongside Hendo,” and stressing that the combination gives “presence” and “stability.”
Alonso also framed the plan around Caicedo’s role, saying, “The plan was for him not to play the whole game,” even though “you always want to have Moises on the pitch.”
Paul Merson told Sky Sports News that Henderson and Caicedo worked well together, saying, “I thought they worked well together, Caicedo and Henderson.”
Merson added a direct assessment of Caicedo’s value, calling him “the best holding midfield player in the world of football.”
The BBC also quoted Alan Shearer on BBC Sport, saying, “Caicedo makes a difference. There's no doubt about it.”
Clean sheet drought and next
Chelsea’s win did not end the clean sheet wait, because the BBC noted Alonso still had to wait for their first clean sheet of the league campaign. The BBC also said Chelsea had conceded 13 goals in the league so far, and it described the defensive work as a key part of the answer against Bournemouth. The official Chelsea report said Bournemouth pulled a goal back through Evanilson, but it recorded that Chelsea stayed composed and then grabbed their fourth in the 67th minute.
“Chelsea are back in action next Saturday when they travel to face Everton.”
Chelsea’s next match was set for Saturday, October 17, when the club visits Everton, according to Metro.co.uk. Metro.co.uk also quoted Alonso’s post-match message about building the midfield area, saying, “For me it’s fundamental that we get that area strong.”