Chelsea have managed to grab all the three points against Bournemouth in the matchday 4 of the Premier League. It wasn’t a very pleasurable outing for the Blues at the Vitality Stadium. The home team seemed to play better football than Chelsea. However, Christopher Nkunku’s 86th minute goal clearly made the difference. Matter of fact, this match held a new record in the books of the league. 14 yellow cards were shown in the Chelsea Bournemouth clash on 15th September, which is the most in the history of Premier League.
Bournemouth dominates the game but fails to break the deadlock
Despite having less possession, the Cherries took 19 shots to fancy their chances. Out of which 7 were on the target. Bournemouth displayed a great intent as the Blues seemed to struggle throughout the match. They almost took a lead in the 4th minute as Marcus Tavernier’s 25-yard belter hit the crossbar. The Cherries again failed to capitalize in the 23rd minute, when Justin Kluivert’s volley was denied by Sanchez. It was a well shaping move from the Cherries while Chelsea fullback Disasi’s sloppiness could have costed the Blues more.
Bournemouth would repent the most for missing out to score on the penalty. Fofana’s poor backpass to Sanchez allowed the Bournemouth number 9 Evanlison to steal the ball. However, Evanlison got fouled by the goalkeeper as he tried to chip the ball over his head. But Sanchez managed to rescue the Blues with a wonderful low diving save at the left side to deny Evanlison’s spot kick.
The second half also began with a Bournemouth’s big opportunity. In the 58th minute Ryan Christie’s deflected shot hits the post and added fuel to the fire to the fans despair. Bournemouth’s supremacy in the game was clear but they lacked the finishing. Chelsea never looked comfortable in the match and only got a few opportunities to capitalize. But they did so at the last minutes.
Chelsea hold out against the pressure and scores late
Chelsea managed to pull out some chances in the second-half after new signing Sancho’s arrival in the pitch. Blues striker Nicolas Jackson almost scored in the 56th minute but the curling shot went over the post. But Nkunku with his great strength and composure shattered through the Bournemouth defense and broke the deadlock with a assist from Sancho.
Sancho’s introduction in the second half made an immediate impact on the pitch for Maresca’s side. With his energy and flair the Englishman threaded a cunning pass in the free space near Nkunku, who slides the ball into the bottom corner of Mark Travers’s goal.
Maresca’s side wouldn’t be too happy with the win. Though the Blues got all of what they needed, still it wasn’t a great performance against a team who finished at 12th position last season. Chelsea will be facing West Ham next Saturday on 21st September away from home in the Premier League. It will be Maresca’s first ever London derby. Football watchers will be more than interested to see the Blues performance next weekend.
Player Ratings
Player Of The Match– Jadon Sancho (8/10)
Sancho was awarded the POTM award in his debut appearance for the blues. The fans loved his performance and started singing his name after the setup for the goal.
Bournemouth (4-2-3-1)
- Gk: Mark Travers (4.5/10)
- RB: Adam Smith (7/10)
- CB: Iliya Zabarnyi (5.5/10)
- CB: Marcos Sensei (5/10)
- LB: Milos Kerke (5.5/10)
- CM: Lewis Cook (3.5/10)
- CM: Ryan Christie (6/10)
- AM: Justin Kluivert (6/10)
- RW: Antoine Semenyo (6.5/10)
- LW: Marcus Tvernier (6.5/10)
- CF: Evanlison (3.5/10)
Substitutes:
- Alex Scott (4.5/10)
- Luis Sinisterra (5/10)
- Philip Billing (5.5/10)
- Julian Araujo (4.5/10)
- Enes Unal (6.5/10)
Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
- Gk: Robert Sanchez (8/10)
- RB: Axel Disasi (3/10)
- CB: Wesley Fofana (3/10)
- CB: Levi Colwill (6/10)
- LB: Marc Cucurella (6/10)
- CM: Moises Caicedo (7/10)
- CM: Renato Veiga (4/10)
- AM: Cole Palmer (5.5/10)
- RW: Noni Madueke (4/10)
- LW: Pedro Neto (3.5/10)
- CF: Nicolas Jackson (4/10)
Substitutes:
- Tosin Adarabioyo (6/10)
- Joao Felix (5/10)
- Christopher Nkunku (7.5/10)
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