Caicedo return gives Chelsea midfield platform in 5-1 win over Bournemouth

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso praised Moises Caicedo after the midfielder made his first start of the season in Saturday’s 5-1 Premier League victory over Bournemouth.

Alonso had to wait until October to see what Chelsea could produce with Caicedo fully back in the side. The Ecuador international, 24, had been recovering from a calf problem and supplied greater protection for a defence which has appeared vulnerable since the start of the campaign.

He also forged an effective midfield partnership with 36-year-old Jordan Henderson, who scored twice as Chelsea secured a convincing win.

Caicedo’s return was particularly significant after he played only 14 minutes as a substitute in August before limping off.

“With him we have a better midfield area and when you are better in the middle you have a more complete team and something to build around,” said Alonso.

“I am so happy that Moi is feeling better because he is going to be a key player for us. We knew that and we have seen [it] today.”

Alonso won his first two matches as Chelsea manager but then went three games without a victory before Saturday’s performance.

Chelsea also welcomed the return of right-back Marco Palestra, who came on for his debut. Palestra joined from Atalanta in Italy during the close season but was injured soon afterwards.

Henderson’s two goals, a brace from Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers’ strike reflected Chelsea’s reputation as one of the Premier League’s most entertaining teams this season. Henderson and Joao Pedro had both recently spent time receiving treatment for injuries.

Chelsea continued their habit of scoring early, going 2-0 ahead within 149 seconds before adding a third just over 30 seconds into the second half.

Cole Palmer celebrated signing a contract extension by creating two goals, further suggesting the England forward is returning to his best form.

There were still concerns for Alonso. Chelsea failed to keep a clean sheet for a 22nd consecutive Premier League match after Bournemouth striker Evanilson reduced the deficit in the second half.

The manager also confirmed that captain Reece James missed the game after suffering a knee injury in training on Friday. James has missed lengthy periods in recent seasons because of hamstring problems.

Chelsea will face more demanding challenges later in the season than Bournemouth, who have yet to win any of their six matches under new manager Marco Rose. The visitors were also without important players including England midfielder Alex Scott and forwards Eli Kroupi and Justin Kluivert.

Alonso admitted Chelsea briefly lost control after Evanilson made it 3-1 in the 51st minute, but he was pleased by the response as his side scored twice in three minutes later in the match.

“From today we take positives for the future,” he said.