Jordan Henderson has irked some Liverpool supporters after tapping the Chelsea crest on his shirt after scoring the fifth goal in their 5-1 win over Bournemouth. The former Reds captain also opened the scoring at Stamford Bridge in just his second appearance for the Blues after leaving Brentford last summer.
Fourth club since leaving Anfield
Henderson, 36, was injured when moving clubs after fracturing his left forearm during the World Cup. Chelsea are his fourth team since leaving Anfield three years ago.
Al-Ettifaq signed the midfielder for £12million before terminating his contract six months later. Henderson then lasted the same amount of time at Ajax.
On his return to Anfield with Brentford on the final day of last season, Henderson was greeted warmly by the home supporters. That was a reflection of the success he helped deliver at the club between 2011 and 2023.
First brace in over a decade
Nevertheless, much of that goodwill from Liverpool fans may have evaporated over the summer. Two months later, the midfielder well and truly announced his arrival with an impressive display against the Cherries.
Having netted the opener, he went on to register an assist for Morgan Rogers' goal and Chelsea's second. Henderson then scored a second, his first brace since February 2014.
After burying a free-kick, his celebration, which saw Henderson tapping the Chelsea badge, left some Liverpool supporters seething. One fan questioned on social media platform X: "Jordan Henderson of all people patting the Chelsea badge?"
Another said: "Not nice seeing Henderson patting the Chelsea badge." Meanwhile, another pointed out: "Henderson slapping the Chelsea badge. If going to Chelsea wasn't bad enough, your reception when coming back to Anfield will be bad."
Potential return to Anfield
Henderson could make his return to Anfield as a Chelsea player later this month. Liverpool will host the west London club in the fourth round of the League Cup.
However, if he misses that match, Chelsea are not back at Anfield until May. The reserve fixture at Stamford Bridge is pencilled in for early December.
Their victory lifts Chelsea to sixth in the Premier League, behind Brentford and Everton on goal difference. They are three places above the Reds, although just one point separates them.
Henderson's status as an undisputed Anfield legend should be beyond question, given everything he accomplished as skipper, including Premier League and Champions League titles. That said, this latest episode will inevitably leave a sour taste in the mouths of some supporters, given the circumstances.
