Chelsea delivered a five-star performance against Bournemouth as they returned to Premier League action with a thrilling victory at Stamford Bridge.
Braces from Jordan Henderson and João Pedro, alongside a Morgan Rogers strike, saw the Blues put the Cherries to the sword in a dominant display. Bournemouth struggled to make an impact as Chelsea ran riot, securing an emphatic win to get back to winning ways.
Following the result, we look at the winners and losers from the 5-1 victory.
Winner: Jordan Henderson
The England international silenced his transfer sceptics with two outstanding goals from outside the box, delivering a statement performance. He controlled the tempo with his passing, pressed aggressively and won possession back to keep Chelsea on the front foot.
His opener set the tone for the afternoon, while his delightful free-kick capped off an excellent display. It was a performance worthy of his Man of the Match award.
The performance answered his place in the team and you may see Henderson alongside Moises Caicedo in the future.
Winner: Xabi Alonso
The starting XI and tactical approach proved decisive, as Chelsea successfully nullified Bournemouth’s usual style of play. Alonso’s message to start fast and hit the Cherries hard in the opening five minutes paid off brilliantly, setting the tone for the afternoon and putting Chelsea two goals ahead early on.
Loser: Chelsea defence
Chelsea’s defence dealt reasonably well with Bournemouth’s attacking threat, but the marking from the corner was woeful. Emi Martínez also had to come to their rescue with a crucial save to deny the Cherries from a dangerous double chance towards the end of the first half.
Ultimately, the defensive record speaks for itself, with Chelsea still searching for their first clean sheet of the season.
Winner: Joao Pedro
There were doubts over João Pedro’s availability after his injury concerns before the international break, but he was fit enough to feature.
He was relatively quiet in the first half, yet he showed exactly what he can offer when given the right opportunities. His first-touch finish was excellent, while the assist for his second goal is likely to steal the headlines.
Winner: Pep Chavarria
The Spaniard continues to improve with every game, showing confidence on the ball while remaining alert and disciplined defensively. That left wing back role is now ahead of Joreel Hato.
He capped off another encouraging performance with an excellent cross for João Pedro’s second goal of the game.
Loser: Estevao
The Brazilian was given just ten minutes to make an impact, with the game already wrapped up 20 minutes earlier and Cole Palmer struggling to set Stamford Bridge alight.
He will be desperate to earn a place in the starting XI, with plenty of supporters left wondering what more the wonderkid needs to do to deserve an opportunity from the start.
Winner: Marco Palestra
The Italian made his Chelsea debut around the 70th minute, replacing João Pedro as Xabi Alonso opted to ease him into the action. The full-back will now be looking to build on that first appearance and establish himself as a regular starter in the starting XI.
Add us as a preferred source on Google