Jordan Henderson scored twice on his home debut as Chelsea swept aside Bournemouth 5-1 at Stamford Bridge.
Joao Pedro also grabbed a double, while Morgan Rogers added another as Chelsea secured their first victory in four matches and climbed into the Premier League’s top five.
Evanilson briefly reduced the deficit to 3-1, but Bournemouth could not contain the hosts and remain without a league win under Marco Rose.
They sit above the relegation zone on goal difference.
Henderson needed just 68 seconds to open his Chelsea account.
Cole Palmer, who had signed a contract extension until 2034 before kick-off, released the midfielder to curl a finish in off the post.
Chelsea doubled their advantage only 84 seconds later.
Henderson found Rogers, whose effort was diverted over goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic by Antonio Silva.
A VAR review confirmed the goal belonged to Rogers, taking his tally for the season to four.
Bournemouth’s careless passing contributed to their difficult start, although they began to create opportunities after falling two goals behind.
Rayan fired over before Henderson almost added a third with a lofted attempt from outside the penalty area.
The Bournemouth forward then had a one-on-one effort saved in the 35th minute, while Emiliano Martinez also denied Ryan Christie and kept out a Silva header before the interval.
Rose introduced Ben Gannon-Doak at half-time, but Bournemouth conceded again just 30 seconds after the restart.
Pedro Neto capitalised on another Silva error inside the box, allowing Joao Pedro to fire into the top-right corner.
Evanilson gave the visitors a brief lifeline five minutes later when Moises Caicedo’s attempted clearance struck him and went in following a dangerous corner.
Chelsea quickly restored their three-goal cushion, with Joao Pedro converting Pep Chavarria’s cross from close range.
Henderson completed the scoring with a curling free-kick from 25 yards, rounding off an impressive afternoon for the 36-year-old.
Chelsea started Henderson and Caicedo together for the first time, offering manager Xabi Alonso some welcome continuity after an unsettled opening to the season.
Alonso had used four different midfield combinations, repeating the same starting partnership in successive matches only once.
Both players had struggled with injuries.
Caicedo had managed just 14 minutes this season after a calf problem resurfaced during his substitute appearance against Brighton.
Henderson, meanwhile, had been recovering from an arm injury suffered during England’s World Cup campaign.
He landed awkwardly while jumping over an advertising hoarding during celebrations after victory over Mexico.
There was another anxious moment for Chelsea supporters on the half-hour mark when Palmer accidentally pushed Christie into Caicedo.
The Ecuador midfielder needed treatment but was able to continue, drawing relieved applause from the home crowd.
Henderson had already impressed on his first full appearance for Chelsea against Brentford before the international break.
His performance against Bournemouth further demonstrated the experience and leadership he brings.
Alongside Danny Welbeck and Martinez, he was one of three players over 30 recruited to strengthen a squad that had been the Premier League’s youngest last season.
Caicedo’s availability is particularly valuable after Chelsea failed to secure their midfield targets on transfer deadline day.
The hosts entered the match having conceded a league-high 12 goals in their opening five fixtures.
Although they are still waiting for a clean sheet, conceding only once represented their best defensive return against Premier League opposition this season.
With Henderson and Caicedo providing greater protection and Pedro, Rogers and Palmer contributing in attack, Alonso has reasons for encouragement.
Bournemouth’s previous frustrations had centred on late goals, but this time their poor starts to both halves proved decisive.
Henderson’s opener was an excellent finish, yet the visitors repeatedly surrendered possession and allowed Chelsea to build pressure.
Trailing 2-0 after just two minutes and 30 seconds left them facing a considerable challenge.
Silva’s mistake immediately after half-time made their task even harder.
Bournemouth have now failed to win any of their opening six Premier League matches for only the second time.
The previous instance came under Andoni Iraola, who went nine league games without victory before overseeing a successful spell at the club.
Rose is also balancing domestic demands with Bournemouth’s first European campaign while dealing with injuries to key players.
Alex Scott is expected to miss up to six weeks after being injured over the international break.
The midfielder made his first England start despite carrying a knock before the match.
Eli Junior Kroupi remains unavailable until November following a significant pre-season injury.
Rose accepted that Chelsea deserved their victory and took responsibility for Bournemouth’s failure to respond to the hosts’ threat early in each half.
He felt his side lacked sharpness and failed to press with their usual intensity.
While earlier matches had featured encouraging performances undermined by costly lapses, this display left him with fewer positives.
With only three points from six games, Bournemouth now need to turn promising moments into sustained performances and results.
