Chelsea have ended their recent five-match losing streak with a 2-0 win over AFC Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. However, the Blues were without a number of key players, including Eden Hazard and Hakim Ziyech. Despite that, the team was able to play with fluidity across the pitch.
Match report: Chelsea 2 West Ham United 1
It was a relatively quiet first half, despite Chelsea’s possession being nearly 60%. After the break, Chelsea tried to break down Bournemouth. They had chances, but couldn’t score. But they were able to take the lead just minutes after the break, when a Mason Mount goal saw them go ahead.
The Bournemouth defense was not at its best, however. They were only able to produce enough quality to force a few opportunities, with Kepa Arrizabalaga making a couple of saves. Meanwhile, Chelsea had four shots on target at the break.
There were several changes in the second half, with defender Reece James injured and Cesar Azpilicueta replacing him. The change seemed to give the Blues more composure, but it also made them vulnerable. Although the Cherries pressed forward, they could not break down Chelsea’s defence. In fact, Kepa had kept four clean sheets in his last seven league matches.
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Despite the changes, the Chelsea team was much better than it had been in recent weeks. They were more fluid across the pitch and they were able to test Bournemouth at various times. For instance, Ryan Christie forced Kepa into a low save at the near post. That was the only time a Bournemouth player managed to create an opportunity.
The Chelsea midfield was relatively strong, especially in the middle. Denis Zakaria made his Premier League debut. He drove Chelsea forward in the first half. Christian Pulisic was a poor starter. While Michy Batshuayi and Callum Hudson-Odoi were benched, they were completely irrelevant.
Chelsea’s attack was poor. Their lone striker was Dominic Solanke, who had just two goals in his past six games. On the other hand, Tammy Abraham was one of the Blues’ better performers. His first-half effort was an excellent goal.
However, Havertz failed to direct his header on target, but his first-half goal was still the best of the game. His play was crucial to the opening goal. Eventually, Havertz slid into Raheem Sterling’s cross, and Sterling took the ball and slid home the ball.
Chelsea vs. Bournemouth result
Bournemouth had a great chance to make it 2-1 just five minutes into the second half. But Anthony’s cross was turned behind. With that, Bournemouth had just one more chance. At the other end, Koulibaly headed wide of the goal.
Bournemouth regained composure and started to threaten, but they were unable to find the finishing touch. Their chances were mostly wasted, with the exception of one late free-kick.
The team will be hoping that the World Cup will give them more time to recover. If that happens, they can put this defeat behind them and move into the top four. Hopefully, they can end their three-game winless streak with a victory against Brighton.
