The extended three-week international break may have benefited Chelsea more than any other Premier League team. Saturday's 5-1 victory over Bournemouth appeared to support that theory, with senior club officials saying before kick-off that the break had come at the right time for the Blues.
Before the pause, new manager Xabi Alonso was searching for answers after moving to a back three. Chelsea had conceded a league-high 12 goals, and a 3-0 defeat at Brentford underlined the need for adjustments. Against Bournemouth, Alonso made several changes: Chelsea defended deeper, pressed in a different shape and altered their build-up play to look more solid.
The return of midfielder Moises Caicedo was a major factor. The Ecuadorian had suffered a recurrence of a calf injury and had played only 14 minutes as a substitute before Saturday. Alonso was effusive about his return, saying: "With Moi on the pitch everything looks more in place." Joao Pedro, who scored twice, also returned, and has the most goal involvements in the Premier League this season with eight (five goals and three assists). Cole Palmer, who withdrew from England duty, was fit for the full 90 minutes and spent part of the break following an individual rehabilitation programme. He also signed an improved, extended contract.
Alonso spent much of the break on what he called "office work", which insiders believe largely involved tactical analysis. Chelsea's fifth goal, a free-kick routine devised by new set-piece coach Austin Mac Phee, reflects his drive to make the team less predictable after last season's 10th-place finish. Chelsea also had only 10 players on international duty, compared with 18 for Manchester City and 17 for Arsenal.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing