Chelsea made it two wins out of two since the international break with a composed 2-0 victory at Everton on Saturday. Coming a week after they swept Bournemouth aside 5-1 at Stamford Bridge, it was further evidence that Xabi Alonso’s side are starting to click.
From goal fest to control
The Bournemouth game on 10 October was all about attacking freedom. Henderson struck in the second minute and again on 70, while Joao Pedro added two more after the break, with an own goal adding to the misery for the visitors. It was Chelsea’s biggest win of the season.
At Everton the challenge was different. A ground that has caused Chelsea problems in the past demanded patience, and Alonso’s men delivered a mature, controlled display to keep a clean sheet and take all three points.
Joao Pedro leading the line
Joao Pedro has become the focal point of this team. The Brazilian is Chelsea’s leading scorer in the Premier League with five goals, and his link-up play is helping to bring the midfield into the game. His movement has been central to the improvement in Chelsea’s attacking output since September.
Chelsea’s last two league games
- Chelsea 5-1 Bournemouth (Henderson 2, Joao Pedro 2, own goal)
- Everton 0-2 Chelsea
- Next: Chelsea v Tottenham, Saturday 24 October, 7:30pm EAT
Lessons learned from Brentford
It has not all been smooth. Chelsea’s heaviest defeat of the campaign came in September, a 3-0 loss at Brentford that raised questions about their defensive structure. Since then, the side has looked more compact without the ball and more decisive with it.
Derby day next
Next up is a London derby against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, 24 October. Spurs host Coventry on Monday night still searching for their first league win of the season, and Chelsea will see this as a golden chance to keep the momentum going in front of their own fans.
If Alonso’s side can make it three straight wins, they will be firmly in the conversation for the top four.