Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso praises Jordan Henderson after Bournemouth rout

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said Jordan Henderson delivered a complete performance in the 5-1 Premier League victory over Bournemouth, while admitting he could not explain the team’s recent 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, with Morgan Rogers completing the victory as Chelsea moved temporarily into the top five.

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

“We controlled the game for most of the match, 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 reduced the deficit to 3-1, but they 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 match and the performance. There are many positives for the future, as well as other things we need to continue working on.”

The Spaniard also highlighted Henderson’s influence away from his goals, while welcoming Moises Caicedo’s return to the starting line-up. Caicedo was replaced after 65 minutes as planned.

“Besides the goals, he gave us the performance of a real midfielder,” Alonso said of Henderson. “He was always involved in the game and offered solutions to his team-mates. He communicates with everyone.

“It was important for Moi to play 65 minutes. There are a lot of good things from today.”

Alonso has no answer for early-goal run

Alonso said Henderson and Caicedo offer different qualities but complement each other effectively in midfield.

“They are different in terms of their qualities,” he said. “In terms of positioning, they help each other well. They give us presence and stability, and they will help the rest of the team.

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

Asked about Chelsea’s repeated success in scoring early, Alonso said: “I have nothing to do with it, so I do not have an answer. We always talk about trying to start the game with good energy, but I have no explanation and I deserve no credit.

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

Palmer deal welcomed as Reece James has knee issue

Alonso welcomed Cole Palmer’s contract extension and said Chelsea wanted to keep their best young players for many years.

“We are happy for him and happy for the club,” he said. “I am sure the fans are happy too. We have to support him and help him. This is what we are starting to build, and he is important in everything.

“When you are young, you want to keep the best players for years. We believe Cole will be a top-level player for many years, and the longer he stays here, the better. I am not the contracts man.”

Alonso described Rogers as a “modern, complete footballer” who is young, strong, quick and highly effective.

“He looks fresh and is enjoying himself,” he added. “He communicates well with his team-mates and has a big impact.”

Reece James felt something during the match, with tests later revealing a minor knee problem.

“He has some minor issues with his knee,” Alonso said. “We will see how long it takes and assess it week by week.”