Chelsea’s form has slumped massively since their 1-1 draw against Arsenal.
Chelsea have just one win in seven league games after they squandered another lead at home to draw 2-2 with Bournemouth. All four goals came in the first 27 minutes in a rather tense affair at Stamford Bridge. Antoine Semenyo’s long throws caused havoc and provided Bournemouth goals for David Brooks and Justin Kluivert, while Cole Palmer scored from the penalty spot before Enzo Fernandez curled in a beauty, after good work inside the box from the Blues.
Here are the player ratings for Chelsea stars from the game:
Robert Sanchez – 6/10
Perhaps could have done better for the opening goal after parrying Brooks’ initial close-range effort. Redeemed himself by showing a strong wrist to keep Brooks from putting Bournemouth 2-1 up. Made some eye-catching passes through the lines with the ball at his feet.
Josh Acheampong – 4/10
Could not deal with the combination of Semenyo, Kluivert and Truffert down the Bournemouth left as the Cherries regularly targeted him. Switched to left-back for the final moments of the first half before being replaced at the break. A tough evening for the youngster.
Wesley Fofana – 8/10
A dominant figure at the heart of the Blues’ backline. Won plenty of headers and never looked threatened by the visitors’ attacking players. In a game which was often fraught and error-prone, the Frenchman was solid at the back and composed on the ball, and proved why Maresca has been regularly picking him in the starting XI of late.
Trevoh Chalobah – 5/10
Shaky throughout the first half, and should have done better in dealing with both long throws that led to goals. Made a critical error as he knocked the ball on for Bournemouth’s second goal. More composed after the break.
Malo Gusto – 7/10
Played out of position on the left-hand side but acquitted himself well both in and out of possession. Had a difficult first half but grew into the contest, switching flanks from left-back to right, and then back again.
Moises Caicedo – 5/10
Picked up a costly early yellow card that sees him suspended for Sunday’s crucial contest at Manchester City. Was slightly fortunate to avoid a second yellow soon after. That limited his impact for a short while, but he grew into the game as it went on. Did have a big impact defensively after that early booking.
Enzo Fernandez – 6/10
Was his usual combative self in midfield and showed good composure to net Chelsea’s second goal. Up for the fight, increasingly going full-strength into tackles after Caicedo’s early yellow. Scored a fantastic goal to put Chelsea into the lead at 2-1. Lacked that creative edge, however, before wasting a glorious chance to make it 3-2 late on when he blasted over.
Cole Palmer – 7/10
Barely involved until he netted his penalty to level the game up. His influence grew from there. Always looked to get Chelsea moving forward even when picking up the ball with his back to goal. Was slightly surprising to see him be replaced after an hour given his importance.
Estevao – 8/10
Electric performance from the Brazilian wonderkid. Always looked to take his marker on, and one such dribble led to him winning the penalty. Came close with a header in the first half and a low, driven effort in the second. Delivered some dangerous balls into the box before switching to the left in the second half, where he was just as threatening. Inspired Chelsea’s late hunt for a winner with some dazzling runs. Does need to work on tracking back, but he’s still young and raw.
Liam Delap – 6/10
Showed excellent movement and hold-up play throughout. Wasted his one sight of goal when he headed over from close range in the second half. Worked hard but couldn’t find that cutting edge.
Alejandro Garnacho – 3/10
Nightmare performance. Caught sleeping at the back post for both of Bournemouth’s first-half goals, ball-watching when he should have been marking. While he claimed the assist for Fernandez’s strike, he was largely wasteful in the final third. Hauled off at half-time and rightly so.
Substitutes:
Pedro Neto – 7/10
Offered much more threat than Garnacho after coming on at the break. Delivered a couple of fine crosses that were wasted. The same could be said for Neto, even though he was clearly intent on being the man to secure Chelsea their winner.
Reece James – 7/10
Shut down Bournemouth’s dangerous left-hand side while his set-pieces caused plenty of problems. Provided stability down the right.
Joao Pedro – 5/10
Replaced Palmer on the hour mark and operated in the No. 10 role. Failed to produce much of note aside from a couple of wayward crosses. One half-chance that came to nothing.
Andrey Santos – N/A
Replaced Delap for the final three minutes.
Jamie Gittens – N/A
On for Estevao in stoppage time.
