Alonso Hails Henderson’s Free-Kick Practice After Chelsea’s 5-1 Win Over Bournemouth

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has praised Jordan Henderson after the veteran midfielder scored twice and set up another on his home debut in a 5-1 win over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.

Henderson, 36, needed less than two minutes to make his mark. He finished off the post after a slick exchange with Cole Palmer. Later on, he scored Chelsea's fifth with a brilliant free-kick. He joined on a free transfer this summer, after leaving Brentford when his contract was ended by mutual consent, and signed a two-year deal.

Alonso said the free-kick was no accident. "He has been using the international break to practice his free-kicks," the Spaniard told BBC MOTD.

Opta says that at 36 years and 115 days old, Henderson is the oldest Chelsea player to be directly involved in three or more goals in a Premier League game, with two goals and one assist. He is also the oldest player for any club to do it since Cristiano Ronaldo against Norwich in April 2022, when he was 37.

36 - Jordan Henderson (36y 115d) is the oldest @ChelseaFC player to be directly involved in 3+ goals in a Premier League match (2 goals, 1 assist), and oldest for any side since Cristiano Ronaldo in April 2022 (37 v Norwich). Twilight. https://t.co/OdCRuSQRTi

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 10, 2026

The win was Chelsea's first in four games and lifted them into the top five. Bournemouth stay just outside the relegation zone on goal difference.

Alonso stayed calm about the spell after Evanilson pulled one back for Bournemouth. "I would not say it was a crazy game. There were different moments. We were in good control of the game," he said. 

He added: "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."

He was especially pleased with the midfield, where Henderson played alongside Moises Caicedo. 

"We have seen Moises Caicedo in alongside Hendo," he said. "Normally when you have a balance and a strong midfield the team is in better shape."

Chelsea are still waiting for a Premier League clean sheet, a run that goes back to January. Alonso is not worried. "It will come. Today we were close. A win with a clean sheet will come," he insisted.

The mood was already high before kick-off, as Palmer had signed a new contract until 2034. He celebrated by setting up Henderson's opener. 

"I am 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," Alonso said.