Chelsea returned to winning ways on Saturday as they thrashed Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues had a great start to 2026/27 as they opened their Premier League campaign with victories over Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion. However, they then lost to Arsenal, drew to Hull City and were well beaten by Brentford in their next three matches.
Chelsea were able to end their three-match winless streak on the weekend as they put five goals past the Cherries. Jordan Henderson (2), Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro (2) were all on the scoresheet as Xabi Alonso’s side picked up all three points.
Henderson was given his second start since signing for Chelsea in the summer and he was superb. He opened the scoring in the first half with a brilliant curling effort. He rounded out the scoring with an exquisite free-kick with 20 minutes remaining.
The 36-year-old showed his passion for the west London club after his second goal as he patted the club’s crest on his shirt while making his way to the corner to celebrate in front of the fans.
John Obi Mikel was complimentary of Henderson in his podcast, but he caused a stir by saying that the Englishman will ‘never be one of us.’
He said: “I said we want experience, but not a 36-year-old year old! But listen, all you have to do is step on the pitch and prove people wrong. And he’s done that this weekend. Let’s see how far he can continue to do that.
“But I think the most important thing for Jordan Henderson in this team is to be that voice in the dressing room, to be that voice in the training ground. That when things are not going well, when players are not putting in the effort to represent the club, the football club, the badge, what it means to play in the Premier League, what it means to represent your club, the fans. He will be that guy to let you on.
“I have nothing against Henderson, he played for Liverpool, he’s a Liverpool legend, I don’t think he will ever be ‘one of us’, but he’s there. He’s doing the job. He’s doing what he has to do. He’s at Chelsea right now. He’s playing well. We have to support him.”
Chelsea fans have taken issue with Mikel saying Henderson will ‘never be one of us.’ One fan wrote: ‘At some point, I need this dude to stop talking.’
A second commented: ‘Take the microphone away from this man. You don’t have to say everything that comes to your mind. Henderson is playing for us, say something positive or shut up.’
A third wrote: ‘Wtf is this man’s problem?? This is so uncalled for,’ while a fourth said: ‘There’s absolutely nothing that warrants this comment from Mikel.’
Chelsea and Henderson return to action on Saturday when they travel to Merseyside to take on Everton.
