How Chelsea used longer international break to their advantage
The extended three-week break may have benefited Chelsea more than any other team in the Premier League.
Key points
- Chelsea beat Bournemouth 5-1 after the three-week international break.
- Moises Caicedo returned from a calf injury and impressed manager Xabi Alonso.
- Chelsea had only 10 players on international duty, fewer than rivals.
Chelsea's 5-1 win over Bournemouth on Saturday followed an extended three-week international break that club officials said came at the right time. Before the pause, new manager Xabi Alonso had been searching for answers within his system after moving to a back three, and Chelsea had conceded a league-high 12 goals.
A 3-0 defeat at Brentford before the break underlined the need for adjustments, and Alonso made several against Bournemouth. Chelsea defended deeper, pressed in a different shape and altered their build-up play for a more solid look.
Caicedo and Pedro return
The return of key midfielder Moises Caicedo was a major factor. The Ecuadorian had played only 14 minutes as a substitute before Saturday after suffering a recurrence of a calf injury during a brief appearance against Brighton. His quality in possession and ability to win the ball back made a huge difference.
Joao Pedro, who scored twice, said: "The international break was a long time. We had time to work, to fix the mistakes against Brentford, and we got a great result." Pedro has the most goal involvements in the Premier League this season with eight (five goals and three assists).
Wow, I couldn't wait to have him back to be honest because with Moi on the pitch everything looks more in place.
— Xabi Alonso
Alonso on Caicedo and the break
Alonso was particularly effusive about Caicedo's return, saying: "Wow, I couldn't wait to have him back to be honest because with Moi on the pitch everything looks more in place." He added that Caicedo is "so important" and that it was "very good news."
When asked about the three-week break, Alonso said it was "too long", but added: "We have had time for everything, to analyse what we have done in this game, what's coming and working with some players, recovering some players. We have used the time properly."
