How Chelsea used extended international break to positive effect

The extended three-week international break may have benefited Chelsea more than any other team in the Premier League.

Although it is a small sample size, Saturday’s 5-1 victory over Bournemouth appeared to support that theory, with senior club officials speaking before kick-off about how the break had come at the right time for the Blues.

Before the pause, it was clear new manager Xabi Alonso was searching for answers within his system, having moved to a back three.

Chelsea conceded a league-high 12 goals before the break but at times had been able to outscore opponents through the brilliance of Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro.

But the approach looked unsustainable.

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 to give Alonso’s side a more solid look.

After the match, 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.”

The return of key midfielder Moises Caicedo was a major factor.

Ecuadorian Caicedo 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.

In an unguarded moment at the end of his media duties at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, 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 is so important and we want to have him around. It was very good news.”

Joao Pedro, who has the most goal involvements in the Premier League this season with eight (five goals and three assists), was also back.

As were Marco Palestra and Emmanuel Emegha, both named among the substitutes.

Palmer withdrew from England duty, drawing a reaction from Thomas Tuchel, but was fit to play the full 90 minutes for Chelsea and looked refreshed.

He spent part of the break on holiday, like the majority of the squad, while following an individual rehabilitation programme with a private fitness coach.