Jordan Henderson scored twice on his home debut for Chelsea as the Blues cruised to a commanding victory over Bournemouth in the Premier League.
The 36-year-old midfielder opened his Chelsea account just 68 seconds into the match before finding the net again after the break. Joao Pedro also scored twice, while Morgan Rogers added another goal to complete the rout.
Bournemouth briefly threatened a comeback when Evanilson reduced the deficit to 3-1, but Chelsea quickly restored their advantage. The result extended the Cherries’ winless run under new manager Marco Rose.
Another Quick Start
Chelsea made an explosive start when Henderson collected a pass from Cole Palmer and curled a shot inside the post with their first attempt of the match. Palmer had signed a new contract running until 2034 earlier in the day, adding to the occasion for the hosts.
Just 84 seconds after the opener, Henderson set up Rogers, whose delivery was turned over goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic by Bournemouth defender Antonio Silva. Rogers was credited with his fourth goal of the season after a VAR review. Bournemouth struggled to settle in the opening stages but gradually created opportunities. Rayan fired over before forcing Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez into a save from a one-on-one situation in the 35th minute.
Martinez also denied Ryan Christie, while Silva saw a header saved shortly before the interval. Chelsea resumed with the same intensity. Barely 30 seconds after half-time, Joao Pedro fired into the top-right corner after Pedro Neto capitalised on another defensive error by Silva.
Evanilson pulled one back five minutes later when Moises Caicedo’s attempted clearance rebounded off the Brazilian striker following a dangerous Bournemouth corner. However, Chelsea quickly re-established control. Joao Pedro completed his brace by tapping in a cross from Pep Chavarria before Henderson sealed the victory with a superb 25-yard free-kick past Petrovic.
The victory ended Chelsea’s run of three matches without a win and lifted them into the Premier League’s top five. Bournemouth, meanwhile, remained just outside the relegation zone on goal difference, extending their difficult start under Rose.
