Chelsea made a flying start against Bournemouth, with Jordan Henderson and Morgan Rogers finding the net inside the opening three minutes to give Xabi Alonso’s side an early advantage. Henderson opened the scoring in the second minute with a powerful right-footed effort from outside the penalty area, assisted by Cole Palmer.
The match comes after Brentford humiliated Chelsea 3-0, leaving Xabi Alonso’s side under pressure to respond with a convincing performance. Chelsea needed a strong start to rebuild confidence, and their early goals offered hope of a positive reaction following that disappointing defeat.
Bournemouth initially enjoyed possession and looked dangerous going forward, but Chelsea quickly turned the contest in their favour. Morgan Rogers doubled the lead in the third minute, finishing with his right foot after Jordan Henderson created the opportunity. The goal went through a VAR review before the referee confirmed that it would stand.
Despite Chelsea’s early advantage, Bournemouth continued searching for a response. Rayan came close in the sixth minute but sent his effort wide, while Emiliano Martínez was required to make an important save later in the half.
Chelsea controlled more of the ball as the first half progressed, recording 54 per cent possession by the 40th minute. However, Bournemouth remained competitive and created opportunities through Rayan, David Brooks and Ryan Christie.
Rayan missed a promising chance in the 36th minute after receiving an opportunity created by Adrien Truffert. Christie also tested Martínez from outside the penalty area, but the goalkeeper dealt comfortably with the effort.
Chelsea had opportunities to extend their advantage, with Moisés Caicedo seeing a header blocked in the 44th minute following a cross from Henderson. Palmer also drew several fouls as Bournemouth attempted to disrupt Chelsea’s attacking rhythm.
Adrien Truffert received a yellow card in the 43rd minute for tripping Pedro Neto, while Marcus Tavernier had already been booked in the 10th minute.
Chelsea entered the closing stages of the first half with a two-goal advantage, although Bournemouth’s attacking threat meant the contest remained open.