Did Chelsea benefit most from extended international break?

The extended three-week international break may have provided Chelsea with a competitive advantage over other teams in the Premier League. After a 5-1 victory over Bournemouth, senior club officials spoke about how the break had come at the right time for the Blues. With new manager Xabi Alonso searching for answers within his system, the international pause allowed Chelsea to adjust their tactics, defend deeper, and press in a different shape.

The return of key midfielder Moises Caicedo, who had missed recent games due to a calf injury, proved crucial, contributing with two goals and exceptional ball-winning abilities. Joao Pedro and Palmer, who scored five goals this season, also returned to action, contributing to Chelsea's improved attacking output. The squad, with only ten players away for international duty, seemed to thrive from the time to recover and prepare.

Alonso himself acknowledged the value of the extended break, stating, "We have had time for everything, to analyze what we have done in this game, what's coming and working with some players, recovering some players. We have used the time properly."