In west London, Jordan Henderson has found an unexpected second act. The 36-year-old midfielder, whose move to Saudi Arabia with Al Ettifaq quickly proved short-lived, has returned to the European stage with Chelsea and delivered the defining display of their win over Bournemouth.
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Henderson joined Chelsea this summer after an important season at Brentford, with Xabi Alonso bringing him to Stamford Bridge despite doubts over how much he could offer at this stage of his career. His arrival was further complicated by the injury he carried back from the European Championship.
After completing his first full match for Chelsea against his former club Brentford in the previous round, Henderson stepped up again against Bournemouth. He gave Chelsea the lead inside two minutes, meeting Cole Palmer’s pass with a precise effort from outside the penalty area that flew beyond Petrovic.
The midfielder was involved again almost immediately. Two minutes after opening the scoring, he created Chelsea’s second goal for Morgen Rogers, putting the hosts in early control.
Henderson also imposed himself in midfield throughout the contest before adding Chelsea’s fifth with a spectacular long-range free-kick. It was the final flourish on a performance that underlined both his influence and his value in Alonso’s new Chelsea side.
