Alonso unable to explain the Chelsea phenomenon: I take no credit, and eight minutes worried us
Chelsea manager after Bournemouth thrashing: Henderson did everything, and this is James's problem
Xabi Alonso couldn't have been happier with his Chelsea side after a thumping 5-1 win over Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Chelsea boss hailed Jordan Henderson's "all-round" display, welcomed back Moisés Caicedo and praised Morgan Rogers' mentality. He was also delighted to see Cole Palmer sign a contract extension.
Henderson set the tone. Alonso opened the post-match press conference by lauding the midfielder, who struck twice and laid on an assist.
Complete performance: Henderson did everything
According to Football London, Alonso said: "When he can score two beautiful goals like today, we are more than happy with him. But beyond the goals, he did a lot of good things. I think his performance today was very complete. We were in control for most of the match, so I am happy with that."
The Spaniard continued: "We have good stability in defence too, apart from a few situations in the first half."
On the nerves that crept in during the second half, he said: "After we conceded a goal (3-1), we were not in control for 8 minutes until we scored the fourth, but overall I am happy with the match and the performance. There are a lot of positives for the future and other things to build on."
Turning to Henderson's role, he added: "Beyond the goals, he gave the performance of a true midfielder, he was always involved in the play and providing solutions for his teammates. He communicates with everyone. It was important that Moi (Caicedo) played 65 minutes. Lots of good news today."
Alonso then explained how the Henderson and Caicedo partnership works: "They are both different in terms of qualities. In terms of positioning, they help each other well. They provide presence and stability too. They will be the ones who help the rest. Defensively too they provide good balance. It is essential to make this area strong."
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Chelsea phenomenon: no explanation
On Caicedo's return he said: "The plan was for him not to play the full match. Even though we always want him on the pitch. He performed well. With him we become better in the midfield. This is something we build on."
Alonso was then quizzed on his side's knack of scoring early goals: "I have nothing to do with that, so I don't have an answer. We always talk about trying to start the match with good energy, but I have no explanation and I don't deserve any credit. It has never happened to me before in such a short period to score this number of early goals."
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Palmer's contract: Rodgers' mentality and James' injury
On Cole Palmer's contract extension, he said: "We are happy with him. Happy for the club too. I am sure the fans are happy as well. We have to support him and help him. This is what we are starting to build, and he is important in everything."
He added: "When you are young, you want to keep the best players for years. We believe Cole will be a top-class player for many years, and the longer he stays here, the better. I am not the man for contracts (laughs)."
Morgan Rogers earned praise too. "He is young, fresh, strong, fast, a very complete modern footballer. His effectiveness is high too, and that is very important. He looks fresh and is enjoying himself. He communicates well with his teammates. He has a big impact."
Reece James, meanwhile, is a worry. "He felt something and we carried out tests later in the afternoon," Alonso explained. "He has minor problems in the knee. We will see how long it takes and we will assess it week by week."
Henderson scored twice and Joao Pedro scored twice, with Morgan Rogers adding another to seal the win. It was Chelsea's first in the league since the end of August, and the result lifts them provisionally into the top five.
