Chelsea secured a convincing 5-1 over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.

After firing blanks in the defeat to Brentford before the international break, Chelsea got off to a flying start at Stamford Bridge against Bournemouth.

Jordan Henderson, who started in central midfield alongside Moises Caicedo, gave Chelsea the lead just two minutes into the game. Cole Palmer made a brilliant run into the box before laying it off for Henderson, who whipped the ball across the goal and into the net.

Henderson contributed to another goal just a minute later, providing the assist for Morgan Rogers’ curler into the far corner to double Chelsea’s lead. Bournemouth defender Antonio Silva’s attempt to head the ball away backfired, as it only helped Rogers, who deservedly claimed the goal since his effort was on target.

Despite the two-goal lead after just three minutes, Chelsea pushed for more. Given their defensive record this season, Chelsea were likely right to be cautious.

Emiliano Martinez had three important saves in the first half, but the Blues kept their lead at the break.

The hosts started the second half almost as impressively. Joao Pedro made it 3-0 in the 46th minute, converting Pedro Neto’s pull-back cross with a short-range finish. 

This would have been a perfect win if only Chelsea had been able to keep their first Premier League clean sheet. It was such an unfortunate goal to concede, too.

It started with a corner kick for Bournemouth in the 61st minute. The ball had dropped to Caicedo, who tried to clear it but hit Evanilson before it ricocheted into Chelsea’s net.

Fortunately for Chelsea, they regained their three-goal lead after Joao Pedro scored his second in the 67th. Pep Chavarria made a brilliant overlapping run on the left flank before finding Joao Pedro in the box with a cross.

Henderson put the cherry on top with a stunning free-kick goal into the top corner just three minutes later.

Here are five key takeaways from Chelsea’s 5-1 Premier League win over Bournemouth:

Two goals and an assist. What a performance it was by the Chelsea summer signing.

His inclusion in the starting XI likely raised some eyebrows, and Reece James’ absence might have played a part. However, Henderson certainly repaid Alonso’s faith with his goal contributions and his composure in midfield in general.

Each of the front three also directly contributed to Chelsea’s goals. Joao Pedro had two goals, Rogers had one, while Palmer bagged an assist.

As long as these three can maintain their form, Chelsea will have time to address their defensive problems, hopefully sooner rather than later.

It was an unlucky goal to concede, but Chelsea still conceded 13 goals from six Premier League games so far. 

Bournemouth, who were without their midfield star Alex Scott, offered very little offensively in this game. Next week’s trip to Everton will likely paint a clearer picture of whether Chelsea have truly improved their defence.

The Chelsea summer signing finally made his official debut for the Blues after struggling with a hamstring injury earlier this season.

He will likely face a difficult task of reentering the starting line-up given Pedro Neto’s strong performances at right wing-back amid his absence.

This win ended Chelsea’s three-game winless run in the Premier League after two defeats to Arsenal and Brentford and a draw against Hull in September.

The positive result was sorely needed, especially since the next few fixtures will likely be more challenging. Chelsea will face Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool (Carabao Cup), and Manchester United in October.