Chelsea thrash Bournemouth 5-1 as Henderson, Pedro hit doubles
Chelsea returned from the international break in style, beating Bournemouth 5-1 at Stamford Bridge as Jordan Henderson and Joao Pedro scored twice to lift the Blues to fifth in the Premier League.
Henderson made an immediate impact on his home debut, opening the scoring after just 66 seconds before completing his brace with a superb late free kick.
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Joao Pedro also marked his return from injury with two goals, while Morgan Rogers added another in a dominant attacking display.
Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo also returned to action after missing international duty through injury, giving Xabi Alonso a timely boost.
Henderson breaks the deadlock early for Chelsea
Chelsea needed just over 60 seconds to take control. Palmer carried the ball forward before laying it off for Henderson, whose 20-yard effort went in off the post to give the hosts an early lead.
The Blues doubled their advantage before the third minute had elapsed. After Djordje Petrovic saved Pedro Neto’s effort, Henderson helped create another opportunity for Rogers, whose shot deflected off Antonio Silva and beyond the goalkeeper following a VAR check.
It was the fifth time in six Premier League matches under Alonso that Chelsea had scored within the opening 10 minutes.
Bournemouth threatened before the interval, with Rayan finding space behind Chelsea’s defence on multiple occasions. However, goalkeeper Emi Martinez produced important saves to preserve the two-goal advantage at half-time.
Joao Pedro seals victory after Bournemouth respond
Chelsea struck again seconds after the restart when Neto punished Silva’s failed interception and cut the ball back for Joao Pedro to fire home.
Bournemouth briefly found a way back into the contest when Evanilson scored his first league goal of the season after a chaotic corner, with Caicedo’s attempted clearance rebounding off the striker and into the net.
The visitors enjoyed a spell of pressure but struggled to turn it into clear chances. Chelsea eventually settled the contest when Rogers released Pep Chavarria, whose excellent cross allowed Joao Pedro to claim his second goal.
Henderson then provided the evening’s standout moment, curling a free kick into the top corner after Palmer left the set piece to him.