Pep Chavarría

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso says goalkeeper Emi Martinez is improving after surgery on a head injury sustained against Everton, with a return expected in a few weeks. Mike Penders is set to start in goal against Tottenham.

Chelsea thump Bournemouth 5-1 as Henderson stars in Stamford Bridge rout

Chelsea bounced back from their Brentford defeat with a 5-1 Premier League win over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on 10 October 2026. Jordan Henderson scored two stunning goals, Joao Pedro added a brace and Morgan Rogers netted in the fastest-ever 2-0 start for the Blues.

A club-by-club verdict on the 2026 Premier League summer transfer window: Arsenal landed Christos Tzolis, Bruno Guimarães and Ezri Konsa but failed to sign a marquee attacker; Aston Villa banked about £300m from nine sales in a radical squad rebuild; Chelsea made Xabi Alonso's first window count with the £117m capture of Morgan Rogers; and the business of Bournemouth, Brentford, Brighton and Coventry is also assessed.

Chelsea Suffer Worst Defensive Start in Premier League as Xabi Alonso's Tactical Setup Is Exposed

Chelsea have suffered their worst defensive start to a Premier League campaign, conceding 12 goals in five matches under Xabi Alonso as tactical flaws and untracked runners leave them exposed.

The Guardian’s club-by-club assessment of the summer 2026 window finds Arsenal frustrated in the attack market, Aston Villa executing a £300m squad refresh, Bournemouth keeping core talent, Brentford adding stability, Brighton banking big profits, and Chelsea beginning a new era under Xabi Alonso with major incomings and outgoings.