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LONDON: Xabi Alonso praised Jordan Henderson after the Chelsea midfielder rolled back the years with a double in the 5-1 demolition of Bournemouth on Saturday.<\/p>\n
Henderson took just 68 seconds to put Chelsea ahead at Stamford Bridge with his first goal for the club.<\/p>\n
The 36-year-old set the tone for Chelsea\u2019s stroll in the west London sunshine with a precise finish from Cole Palmer\u2019s pass.<\/p>\n
Henderson turned provider two minutes later as his pass reached Morgan Rogers, whose shot deflected in off Antonio Silva.<\/p>\n
It was the second-fastest goal and assist combo in Premier League history.<\/p>\n
Joao Pedro struck twice, either side of Evanilson\u2019s reply for Bournemouth, before Henderson capped his impressive performance in the 70th minute.<\/p>\n
Henderson whipped a superb free-kick past Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic to the delight of Chelsea fans, who urged the hat-trick chasing midfielder to shoot every time he got the ball in the closing stages.<\/p>\n
The former Liverpool captain\u2019s influential display came in just his second appearance for Chelsea following his close-season arrival on a free transfer.<\/p>\n
Alonso had made Henderson one of his top targets to add experience to a largely youthful side following the England international\u2019s departure from Brentford at the end of last season.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe signed him for everything and if he is able to score two beauties like today we are more than happy for him,\u201d Alonso said.<\/p>\n
\u201cApart from the goals he has done many good things. He was always involved in the action, giving instructions to the team-mates, he needs to communicate a lot. It was a very good midfield performance.\u201d<\/p>\n
– \u2018A complete performance\u2019 –<\/p>\n
After failing to win any of their previous three league games \u2014 including a dismal 3-0 loss at Brentford before the international break \u2014 this was a much-needed result for Alonso.<\/p>\n
The Spaniard is in his first season in charge but can expect scrutiny if he fails to assemble a cohesive unit from Chelsea\u2019s expensively assembled squad.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday was a very complete performance, we were in control for most of the game. We had good stability,\u201d Alonso said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOverall happy with the game, many positives to take for the future and we have to keep going.\u201d<\/p>\n
The former Real Madrid boss was surprised to see Chelsea strike twice in the first three minutes, adding: \u201cWe always try to start the game with good energy, but I have no explanation, no credit to me.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has never happened to me to score so many early goals. Let\u2019s see if we can keep doing that.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe I prefer to score the first one in the last minute! It will happen one day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Alonso\u2019s hopes of challenging for Champions League qualification and eventually competing for the Premier League title were boosted on Saturday when England forward Palmer signed a new contract keeping him at the club until 2034.<\/p>\n
\u201cHappy for him and very happy for the club as well. I\u2019m sure the fans are happy to have Cole for years,\u201d Alonso said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to push, we need to help him to have success. He is important in what we are building.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you are young you want to keep the best ones for years. We believe Cole is going to be a top-class contract for many years. The longer he is here the better.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n