CHELSEA were made to rue their missed chances after a fantastic first half fizzled into a frustrating draw at Stamford Bridge.
Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson were on fire in the first 45, only for the Senegalese forward to let his side down through a number of wayward shots.
GettyCole Palmer netted an ice-cool opener against Bournemouth[/caption]
GettyReece James climbed off the bench to score a stunning late free-kick to ensure Chelsea earned a point[/caption]
As has been the story here this season the Blues failed to capitalise on their dominance and Bournemouth found their way back into the game from the penalty spot.
But, as has been the story here this season Chelsea and Jackson failed to capitalise on their dominance and Bournemouth found their way back into the game from the penalty spot.
The Cherries got on top of the Blues from there, and a left-footed peach from Antoine Semenyo fired them into a 2-1 lead, with it looking as though the three points were headed back to the seaside.
That was until substitute Reece James fired in a free-kick at the death which saw it end level at 2-2, which sees Chelsea now winless in their last FOUR Premier League games.
Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the players…
Robert Sanchez – 5
His (or Enzo Maresca’s) insistence on playing the “riskiest pass in football” almost cost his side in the first half, but he wasn’t caught out on this occasion.
Couldn’t do an awful lot about either of the goals, a pretty average performance.
Moises Caicedo – 3
Was solid in the first half if not a little fortunate not to be booked for a few “tactical” fouls.
However, he got caught out in the second 45 and gave away a penalty through a poorly timed tackle on Semenyo.
Not the kind of performance we’ve become accustomed to seeing from him as his passes too often went astray.
Josh Acheampong – 5
Made a few good blocks and tackles in the first half, but was easily beaten by Semenyo before he smashed home the goal that put Bournemouth in the lead.
Looked a little inexperienced out there, but you can tell he has quality – was taken off for Tosin in the second half shortly after the goal, who you would imagine will take the starting spot going forward.
Levi Colwill – 6
Imperious in the air and across the ground in the first half.
Didn’t do a lot wrong truth be told, but no clean sheet cost him a higher score.
Marc Cucurella – 6
Stepped into his tackles well and was solid throughout the game, keeping David Brooks quiet on the right for Bournemouth.
Wasn’t as influential in an attacking sense as we have seen him be this season, but still did a decent job.
Romeo Lavia – 5
Dominant in midfield in the first half, and was brilliant in transition, looking like a master of his craft.
Unfortunately, a second-half mistake saw him caught out which led to the Bournemouth penalty before he was then booked for a late tackle.
Was taken off shortly after he was booked and replaced by Reece James.
Enzo Fernández (c) – 6
Worked well as he had done previously when given the license to roam forward, knowing he had Lavia and Caicedo behind him.
Bournemouth’s midfield had no answer to him with the ball at his feet, but as for many of the Blues, he was much quieter in the second half.
Noni Madueke – 6
Arguably deserved a first-half assist after he left a defender on the floor with a mazy run from the right-hand side, but Nicolas Jackson fluffed his lines in front of goal.
Continued his good work on the ball in the second half and generally created some good chances that weren’t finished.
Cole Palmer – 8
Looked like he was out to impress from the start, with a cheeky nutmeg followed by a Lampard vs Hull-esque dink early on which didn’t come off.
This was all before the 12th minute where he sat interim goalkeeper Mark Travers on his backside with a fake shot before slotting home for the opening goal.
He created good chances too for Jackson, but faded pretty heavily after his goal.
Jadon Sancho – 4
Two nutmegs in quick succession was the highlight of his first half, but he was pretty quiet throughout the 90 minutes.
Nicolas Jackson – 6
His first half performance would have had fans raving about how he is the second coming of Didier Drogba.
But his second half reminded us of why he’s not, with two huge bites at the Cherries missed that ultimately cost his side.
SUBS:
Reece James (Romeo Lavia, 56) – 8
Made the perfect comeback from his injury woes, with a rocket of a free-kick guided into the bottom right corner.
Looked strong and composed on the ball after his introduction.
Tosin Adarabioyo (Josh Acheampong, 71) – 7
Brought a bit more presence and leadership to a Chelsea team that looked as though it was lacking exactly that tonight.
Had a good header saved by Travers at the death, you’d imagine he will be starting against Wolves.
Joao Felix (Moises Caicedo, 80) – 6
Did really well with limited minutes on the pitch after being bought on.
A tame effort on goal was saved by the Bournemouth keeper, but it was his mazy dribbling that won the free-kick that James fired home to equalise.
Pedro Neto (Noni Madueke, 80) – 5
Didn’t get long enough to properly warm into the game and Chelsea didn’t find him enough, could probably count his touches on your fingers.
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