Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has praised his squad following a commanding 2-0 win over Everton, describing the performance as "professional and solid" as the club climbs to fifth in the Premier League.

The victory at Everton was the kind of controlled, disciplined display that Alonso appears to be building his Chelsea side around — one that left little room for the hosts to threaten and secured all three points with minimal fuss.

Speaking after the match, Alonso was measured but clearly satisfied, crediting his players for their seriousness and focus throughout the 90 minutes. The Chelsea manager has wasted little time in setting a tone of high standards since taking charge.

The result lifts Chelsea into fifth place in the Premier League table, keeping them firmly in the hunt for European qualification as the season progresses.