Alonso hails Caicedo’s impact as Chelsea crush Bournemouth

LONDON, Oct 10 : Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has had to wait until October to see what his side can do with midfielder Moises Caicedo properly back in the team and he was delighted with his role in the 5-1 demolition of Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.

Alonso – who oversaw two victories in his first two matches in charge of Chelsea before failing to win any of the next three - gave Caicedo his first start of the season after being sidelined with a calf problem.

The Ecuadorian, 24, provided a stronger shield for Chelsea's defence that has looked shaky since the campaign began and he formed an effective partnership with 36 year-old Jordan Henderson who scored twice.

Alonso stressed the importance of Caicedo's return after a brief appearance in August when he lasted only 14 minutes as a substitute before having to limp off.

"With him we have a better midfield area and when you are better in the middle you have a more complete team and something to build around," the Spaniard told reporters.

"I am so happy that Moi is feeling better because he is going to be a key player for us. We knew that and we have seen (it) today."

In further encouragement for Chelsea fans, right back Marco Palestra - who signed from Atalanta in Italy in the close season but was injured soon after - made his debut as a substitute.

The two goals from Henderson and another two from Joao Pedro – both players who have also been in the medical room – and a Morgan Rogers strike underscored Chelsea’s reputation as one of the Premier League’s entertainers this season.

They added to their tally of early goals as they rushed into a 2-0 lead within 149 seconds and got their third a little more than 30 seconds after the start of the second half.

Cole Palmer