Morgan Rogers exposes Chelsea plot involving Jordan Henderson and Cole Palmer

According to a report published by Football London on Monday, October 12, 2026, Morgan Rogers has revealed that Jordan Henderson, Cole Palmer and Chelsea’s coaching staff secretly practised free-kick routines while he was away on international duty, leaving him frustrated after losing his usual responsibility in set-piece situations.

The Chelsea forward made the revelation following the Blues’ emphatic 5-1 Premier League victory over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.

Henderson scored twice during the encounter, including a free-kick, as Chelsea continued their impressive start under manager Xabi Alonso. The 36-year-old also became the oldest Chelsea player to record three goal contributions in a single Premier League match.

Rogers suggested that Henderson’s improved involvement in free kicks had come at his expense, explaining that the midfielder and his teammates took advantage of his absence to practise their routines.

“They all did it behind my back! When I got back \[from international duty\] I am off free-kicks all of a sudden. I wasn’t best pleased about that!” Rogers said.

Despite his disappointment, Rogers praised Henderson’s outstanding fitness and dismissed suggestions that the midfielder’s age had diminished his ability to perform at the highest level.

“Everyone in the dressing room knows he is the fittest player at the club. He’s a machine,” Rogers said.

The Chelsea attacker also highlighted Henderson’s experience and technical ability, noting that his quality when striking the ball from distance justified his involvement in free-kick duties.

Meanwhile, Rogers defended Joao Pedro following comments from former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who had questioned whether the Brazilian could reach 20 goals in a single season.

Pedro has already scored five Premier League goals in his opening six appearances, establishing himself as one of Chelsea’s most dangerous attacking players.

“Maybe he has changed, maybe he has adapted from last season, I don’t know. But he is definitely a goalscorer in my eyes,” Rogers said.

He also praised Pedro’s work rate and intelligent movement, explaining that these qualities had made the Brazilian an important attacking partner who helps create opportunities for both players.

Rogers further credited Alonso’s team talks for Chelsea’s impressive habit of starting matches strongly. Under the Spanish manager, the Blues have scored within the opening seven minutes in five Premier League matches.

However, despite Chelsea’s convincing victory over Bournemouth, Rogers urged his teammates to remain focused, stressing that it was still too early to make definite predictions about where the club would finish in the Premier League this season.