Chelsea

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

The extended three-week international break may have benefited Chelsea more than any other team in the Premier League.

Although it is a small sample size, Saturday's 5-1 victory over Bournemouth appeared to support that theory, with senior club officials speaking before kick-off about how the break had come at the right time for the Blues.

Before the pause, it was clear new manager Xabi Alonso was searching for answers within his system, having moved to a back three.

Chelsea conceded a league-high 12 goals before the break but at times had been able to outscore opponents through the brilliance of Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro.

But the approach looked unsustainable.

A 3-0 defeat at Brentford before the break underlined the need for adjustments, and Alonso made several against Bournemouth.

Chelsea defended deeper, pressed in a different shape, and altered their build-up play to give Alonso's side a more solid look.

The return of key midfielder Moises Caicedo was a major factor.

Ecuador international Caicedo had played only 14 minutes as a substitute before Saturday after suffering a recurrence of a calf injury during a brief appearance against Brighton.

His quality in possession and ability to win the ball back made a huge difference.

Joao Pedro, who has the most goal involvements in the Premier League this season with eight (five goals and three assists), was also back.

As were Marco Palestra and Emmanuel Emegha, both named among the substitutes.

Palmer withdrew from England duty, drawing a reaction from Thomas Tuchel, but was fit to play the full 90 minutes for Chelsea and looked refreshed.

Without England commitments, the forward joined about 16 senior Chelsea players, supplemented by academy prospects, in near full-strength training sessions.

There was also coaching, experimenting and tactical work going on throughout the game, so the result was not the focus.

Alonso also said he spent a lot of time doing "office work", which insiders believe largely involved tactical analysis of previous matches and preparation for future opponents.

Chelsea had only 10 players away on international duty, while rivals Manchester City and Arsenal had 18 and 17 respectively.

When asked about the three-week break, Alonso said it was "too long".

For Alonso, the extended international break has provided valuable breathing space as he refines his approach at Chelsea.

Read more on Alonso's work over the break here

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We asked for your views on what Jordan Henderson's role could be for Chelsea this season after he scored two screamers and registered an assist in a 5-1 win on his home debut against Bournemouth on Saturday.

Here are some of your comments:

Lee: Personally, with playing effectively one game a week, why can't he carry on partnering Caicedo in the middle? We've been crying out for the experience. It's also the most comfortable the back three have looked all season.

James: I must say I was sceptical when Henderson signed and thought it was one extreme to the other in age profile but I stand corrected. If he can stay fit and Caicedo likewise, Chelsea have a very good midfield from which to build. Can we please have a clean sheet though!

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Bournemouth are open to selling England midfielder Alex Scott in January under certain conditions.

The 23-year-old has been pushing to leave Vitality Stadium since rejecting two contract offers at the end of last season, but Bournemouth insisted he was not for sale throughout the recent international break.

However, after a final round of talks with his representatives, senior sources say the Cherries are willing to sanction Scott's sale if an offer of about £100m arrives in January.

Another condition will be Bournemouth's position in the Premier League table. If they are struggling towards the bottom of the league then the club may decide they need Scott to help secure survival.

It remains a significant shift in stance after a summer in which Bournemouth rejected interest from a host of clubs - with every member of the Premier League's so-called "big six" believed to have made contact to varying degrees.

All clubs were told not to make an offer or approach the player, although Chelsea tested the water with an initial £60m bid rising to £64m in add-ons which was rejected.

Chelsea and Liverpool are believed to retain an interest, with Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham having moved on to other targets over the summer.

Liverpool would be in a strong position, with manager Andoni Iraola maintaining close relationships with his former club, both with Scott himself and figures in Bournemouth's leadership.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have previously had encouragement from Scott's representatives to pursue a deal.

Scott is currently out for at least a month with a thigh injury sustained during England's 7-0 win over Croatia in the Nations League.

He remains on the same contract he signed when joining Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2023 for a fee of £25m, which expires in 2028.

Read the full article here

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Chelsea are prepared to hand a hefty contract to Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, if they can sign the 29-year-old in January. (Football Insider), external

Chelsea and Arsenal are both keeping a close watch on 23-year-old Inter Milan and France midfielder Andy Diouf. (Caught Offside, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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Content creator and Chelsea fan Nina Hristova says Jordan Henderson was the "best player on the pitch" in Saturday's 5-1 demolition of Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.

The former Liverpool midfielder, making his home debut, scored twice and assited a goal for Morgan Rogers in an all-action display.

"If someone told me Chelsea's first goalscorer after the international break would be Jordan Henderson, scoring in the first minute, assisting a second a minute later, and then rounding off the day with an incredible free-kick, I would tell you that you were having a laugh," Hristova told BBC Radio London.

"36-year-old Henderson was the best player on the pitch. He was everywhere; he pressed, picked out forward passes, recovered the ball well.

"He played the full 90 minutes and maintained that intensity throughout which was even more impressive.

"I don't think there was an area on the pitch he didn't cover and he rightfully stole the headlines with his man of the match performance.

"Every Chelsea player put in a shift to crush Bournemouth. The wait for a clean sheet goes on but I think that can be forgiven this weekend.

"It was a complete performance that was very entertaining to watch. Everyone understood their role and executed the game plan.

"It is such a breath of fresh air to see these players. They can't wait to play football and are enjoying themselves so much out there on the pitch."

Listen to the full chat below or on BBC Sounds

Chelsea fans, what role can Henderson play going forward? Has the performance against Bournemouth changed your view on what he can offer? And where does he rank among Alonso's midfield options?

Get in touch here

Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent

Imagine a world where Manchester City had not used "sham contracts" to build a team capable of winning three Premier League titles, one FA Cup and three EFL Cups.

If City were the winners, then there had to be losers - and not just those teams who finished runners-up or lost cup finals.

The potential impact runs much deeper and includes missed Champions League qualification, relegation and Premier League prize money.

Thirty-five other teams played in the English top flight between 2009 and 2018.

And every one could in some way claim to have been left financially out of pocket.

Learn more about how the numbers were calculated here

On the latest episode of BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, the panel discussed Jordan Henderson's place in Chelsea's midfield alongside Moises Caicedo.

Former Premier League winger Andros Townsend said he loves everything about the 36-year-old, including the "simplicity to his game".

"He doesn't think that he's something he's not. He keeps it simple and he keeps it ticking," Townsend added.

"He's a fabulous signing. For a young squad, he gives them the perfect experience and quality. Him and Caicedo can certainly provide a good partnership moving forward."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Very few Chelsea fans will know what USDC is or who is behind it.

The reaction to the announced partnership last month was largely one of relief from supporters after Chelsea had started a fourth consecutive season without a front-of-shirt sponsor in place.

That was largely because the club stuck to its £50m valuation before eventually agreeing a deal with Circle Internet Group.

However, the agreement is currently for one season only and has also prompted questions about whether USDC - a regulated stablecoin designed to maintain parity with the US dollar - or parent company Circle as a cryptocurrency business, are suitable partners for the club.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Circle chief commercial officer Kash Razzaghi said while it uses the same blockchain technology that underpins cryptocurrencies, USDC is not a type where people "speculate and hope to get rich quick".

On the sponsorship deal with Chelsea, he added: "This is something we hadn't done before and we wanted to ease into it in a way that allowed us to understand what success looks like.

"But the intention absolutely is for it to be long term."

Referring to what made Chelsea attractive, Razzaghi added: "The places around the world that need digital dollars the most tend to be emerging markets in Latin America, Africa, South-East Asia and the Middle East.

"When you think about Chelsea, and the fanbase and reach it has in those regions, the partnership made a lot of sense for us."

Chelsea will need to pay at least £50m to tempt Barcelona into selling Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong, 29, in January. (Football Insider), external

The Blues are willing to meet Bournemouth's asking price for 23-year-old England midfielder Alex Scott in January, although the Cherries are still hopeful he will sign a new deal. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Shakhtar Donetsk chief executive Sergei Palkin says Chelsea's Stamford Bridge gives the club the best platform to show that Ukraine remains "alive" during a difficult period in the country's history.

The Ukrainian champions have not played at their Donbass Arena home in Donetsk since 2014 and have staged their home European fixtures in Poland, Germany and Slovenia since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Travelling for European matches remains a challenge for Shakhtar, but the club chose London, around 2,000km from its base in Kyiv, to host matches against AEK Athens, Sporting, Fenerbahce and Real Madrid.

After considering Brentford and Fulham as potential venues, Shakhtar selected Chelsea's Stamford Bridge, which is available because the club are not involved in European competition this season.

"We decided: let's move to England," Palkin explained. "There are a lot of Ukrainian refugees and a lot of Ukrainians living here.

"London is the football capital of the world. It's the biggest marketplace for players.

"For our young players to play at this level in a legendary stadium like Stamford Bridge provides extra motivation and can bring positive results.

"I first contacted [Chelsea co-owner] Behdad Eghbali and said: 'What do you think about this idea - playing Champions League matches in your stadium?'

"The reaction was positive. Step by step, it became a reality. Chelsea were very professional."

Sources at Chelsea say the agreement is non-commercial in nature, but Shakhtar hope to average 30,000 fans across the four matches.

Everything about Shakhtar's visit to London has been carefully planned. There will be trips to schools, invitations for people to watch their Uefa Youth League matches at Chelsea's academy stadium, Kingsmeadow, as well as access to open training sessions for Ukrainians living in exile.

In addition, Shakhtar's shirt will feature the slogan "Invest in Ukraine" alongside sponsor SCM (System Capital Management) during the Champions League campaign.

Palkin added that Shakhtar have a "very good connection" with their fans in England, adding the club is "stable" financially but suffering the human reality of operating under war conditions.

He speaks of a drone strike visible behind and close to the club's senior women's team during a televised match, which ultimately caused the broadcast to be suspended.

Meanwhile, the club's under-12 and under-13 teams were moved to western Ukraine amid escalating tensions in the war.

"We are representing our country and want to be visible for Ukraine," added Palkin.

"We need support from the democratic world.

"We cannot fight alone. Part of our role when we play in London and other cities in Europe is to send these messages and remind people what's going on."

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Chelsea and Bournemouth.

Here are some of your comments:

Chelsea fans

Alan: It was a good, entertaining game, with Rogers and Henderson on fire. I still held my breath every time the ball got anywhere near our defence, which needs to seriously sort themselves out. Another game where our club captain James was not present. I think we need a new, more permanent club captain.

George: That performance has given me hope that we can still compete for at least a Champions League place this season. Much better compared with the Brentford match.

Phil: Much better from Chelsea apart from 10 minutes after the goal. Our front three are the best in the league - if others, like Henderson, can chip in with a few then we will beat most teams.

Keith: Generally a very good performance, but I still fear for us when playing the better teams. Defensively, we looked more solid but there is still work to do. Lacroix isn't the answer bceause he is slow and not commanding in the air for such a big man.

Bournemouth fans

Simon: The performance was reminiscent of our Scott Parker episode; utterly dismal and lost. We couldn't keep possession, couldn't string three passes together and had no outlets to find our strikers. It's hard to see how get ourselves out of this mess.

Patrick: Dismal display of second-rate football. We've lost our mojo from last season. We need some significant changes to our style of play if we're going to stay up.

Jools: A strong dose of reality. The Cherries are never good after an international break. With our best players missing we look bang ordinary. This might be a hard position to escape from.

James: I know it sounds unambitious but as long as we finish at least 17th this season I'll be happy. Ultimately we are among teams much much bigger than us and we compete well most of the time. We also need to remember it took Andoni 10 games to get his first win and things turned out well in the long run.

Chris Wise
Final Score reporter

Image source, Getty Images

The cameras were flanking a smiling Jordan Henderson at the end of Saturday's big win over Bournemouth. He got the first and the last goal of the game, and was Chelsea's everything in between.

For those who questioned why Chelsea bought 36-year-old Henderson, just show them this game. Two superb goals, but a display of leadership, calmness and experience too - something that Chelsea have perhaps been lacking at times in recent seasons.

In terms of what Xavi Alonso needs right now, Henderson ticks all the boxes. The dynamism can come from the talent that surrounds him.

It was the first time we saw him paired with Moises Caicedo in Chelsea's midfield too. That could be a partnership that flourishes in the weeks ahead.

Speaking on Match of the Day, Alan Shearer explains why the performance of Moises Caicedo was pivotal in Chelsea's 5-1 win against Bournemouth in the Premier League.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

There is a strong argument that Chelsea find it easier to cope without the creativity of Cole Palmer than without Moises Caicedo's ability in possession and his knack for breaking up play in midfield.

In his 150th appearance for the club, Caicedo lasted 72 minutes.

His withdrawal for Romeo Lavia was planned, but the Ecuador international still made a significant impact.

Xabi Alonso deployed him in a deep role, dropping into the middle of the back three when Chelsea were in possession and allowing young defender Josh Acheampong to push forward.

He misplaced just two passes and recorded the highest pass-completion rate of any Chelsea starter. He also made and won more tackles than any other Chelsea player on Saturday afternoon.

With Caicedo in the side, Chelsea have won 48.1% of their Premier League matches. Without him, that figure drops to 25%.

Alonso said: "You always want to have Moises on the pitch. With him, we have a better midfield area and when you are better in the middle, you have a more complete team.

"I think that is something to build around. With the players that we have up front, they are solid in defence as well. So, I'm happy that Moises is feeling better because he's going to be a key player for us. We knew that."

The alternative options in Chelsea's midfield include captain Reece James, who is able to play in defence, along with substitutes Romeo Lavia and Valentin Barco, who did not make the matchday squad.

It is most likely Reece James who will be attempting to re-take his place from Jordan Henderson when back, but the diagnosis on his knee issues remains uncertain.

Chelsea remain a work in progress and conceded again through poor set-piece defending for Evanilson's goal.

However, if Henderson and Caicedo can help eliminate the defensive lapses, Chelsea can begin to look up the table, with Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Palmer already helping to make them the Premier League's top scorers.

Alonso said: "I think that they help each other well and they give presence, they give stability.

"You know that they are going to be the ones that are going to be helping the rest, not just for their qualities because they understand the game. They can play in shorter spaces but as well defensively they give good balance."

Former England striker Alan Shearer told BBC Sport: "Caicedo makes a difference. There's no doubt about it. He gives Chelsea a bit more solidity and stops the ball getting into the back four.

"He and Henderson have worked really well, the opening goal being a good example. He definitely makes them more solid, I've been really impressed."

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

There was a moment in the 30th minute against Bournemouth when Cole Palmer accidentally pushed Ryan Christie into a collision with Moises Caicedo, with the Chelsea midfielder coming off worse.

After spending a few moments on the ground, the Ecuador international got to his feet to applause from the Stamford Bridge crowd.

The reaction was one of relief from the home supporters, who have been concerned about Chelsea's midfield options during the opening weeks of the season.

Caicedo had played only 14 minutes this season after suffering a recurrence of a calf problem during his substitute appearance against former club Brighton.

Meanwhile, his midfield partner Jordan Henderson had been recovering from an arm injury sustained at the World Cup with England after he fell awkwardly while jumping over an advertising hoarding during celebrations following a win over Mexico.

Having tried four different midfield combinations and named the same pairing in consecutive matches only once, Chelsea were able to start Henderson and Caicedo together for the first time.

Henderson impressed during his first full appearance for the club in the win at Brentford before the international break.

He was also signed for his leadership qualities as one of three players aged over 30, alongside Danny Welbeck and Emiliano Martinez, recruited to add experience to what had been the Premier League's youngest squad last season.

However, Caicedo is widely regarded as one of Chelsea's most important players, particularly after the club failed to sign any of their midfield targets on transfer deadline day.

Having conceded a league-high 12 goals in their opening five matches before Saturday, Chelsea allowed just one against Bournemouth, their lowest tally in a game against Premier League opposition this season.

A clean sheet still eludes them, but manager Xabi Alonso will be encouraged by the greater solidity provided by Caicedo and Henderson in midfield, as an attack featuring Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Palmer continues to deliver.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, spoke to BBC Match of the Day after his side's victory against Bournemouth: "I wouldn't say it was a crazy game. There were different moments. We were in good control of the game. After conceding there were 10 minutes when the game could have finished in a more close way. The fourth goal was really important. It has been a good performance and a good win.

On Jordan Henderson: "He's been using the international break to practice his free-kicks. We have seen Moises Caicedo in alongside Hendo. Normally when you have a balance and a strong midfield the team is in better shape."

On no Premier League clean sheet since January: "It will come. Today we were close. A win with a clean sheet will come."

On Cole Palmer signing a new contract: "I'm delighted for Cole. He is a top player. We have him for many years. He can be one of those players who is remembered for many years in the future."

Chelsea midfielder Jordan Henderson, also spoke to BBC MOTD: "It's a good day, my home debut. It's nice to be at Stamford Bridge and play. We started both halves really well. I felt the concentration and focus for the majority of the game was very good. You always want to start fast. But you need to be consistent throughout the game. I felt we were more solid."

On his goal straight from a free-kick: "I've been working on it in training for the last week or two. Morgs [Morgan Rogers] wasn't too happy but then said 'go on then'. Cole [Palmer] said 'which corner are we celebrating in when you score?'. I'm thankful to Cole and Morgs for letting me take it. I've been pretty consistent with it in training."

Did you know?

• At 36 years and 115 days, Jordan Henderson became the oldest Chelsea player to be directly involved in three goals in a Premier League game, overtaking Gianluca Vialli (33y 245d).

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Chelsea's performance

What did you make of Bournemouth's display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.