THOMAS TUCHEL returned to the scene of the maddest 20 months of his career to run the rule over a new generation of English Chelsea stars.
He got that alright and also a reminder that while there are many different names on the team-sheet, things haven’t changed that much at Stamford Bridge.
GettyReece James was the hero at Stamford Bridge[/caption]
After Cole Palmer set the stage for an exhibition style win with his delightful goal on 14 minutes, the night turned on its head.
Injury hit Bournemouth levelled from the penalty spot and then went ahead through a demonstration of power and experience that shook Enzo Maresca’s young team.
And it was the most unlikely Englishman who stole the show when forgotten man Reece James struck the 95th minute free kick that rescued a point for Chelsea and kept his team clinging onto a place in the top four for now at least.
James was the only man in the squad still here from when Tuchel was boss – which shows how quickly people move on at this club.
And the homegrown defender who dreamed of being England’s first choice right back but has missed two major tournaments due to injury upstaged all the newbies with his last-gasp act of salvation.
What should have been a first Premier League win at home since mid-December was transformed into a backs-against-the-wall, nerve-jangling night for the manager until skipper James struck.
But while James and his team-mates wheeled away in equal delight and relief to avoid defeat it’s nothing to shout about.
Chelsea came close to crumbling against the smallest team in the top flight who rocked up with no recognised striker in the starting line up and six academy kids on the bench.
GettyCole Palmer opened the scoring for Chelsea[/caption]
GettyHe pulled off his trademark celebration[/caption]
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They also had to leave first choice keeper Kepa at home because he is on loan from Chelsea.
What notes Tuchel did take from his vantage point in the comfy seats would not have been too complimentary about yet another slipshod display from the big-spending Blues.
The German was back for the first time since being sacked in September 2022 – a year or so after winning the Champions League for Chelsea.
He then held the club together when it almost went out of business following the emergency exile of former owner Roman Abramovich when war kicked off between Russia and Ukraine.
Chelsea threatened to collapse at the time and it was similar on the pitch yet again following defeats to Ipswich and Fulham and draws against Crystal Palace and Everton in recent weeks.
Palmer, one of England’s bright notes at Euro 2024 in Tuchel’s homeland last summer, shone briefly.
In addition to his classy goal early on, he went narrowly wide with a delicate chip moments earlier.
His England team-mates Levi Colwill and Noni Madueke – perhaps even forgotten international Jadon Sancho – also had the chance to shine in front of the new England head coach.
But after going ahead, yet again boss Maresca was left grasping for what little hair he has, with the way his team slowly ground to a halt.
ReutersJustin Kluivert levelled from the penalty spot[/caption]
GettyKluivert made no mistake from 12 yards[/caption]
To sum up the frenetic pace of the game which Tuchel will have enjoyed, Justin Kluivert hit the post for Bournemouth and Nicolas Jackson did the same at the other end in less than 30 seconds.
Jackson is an enigma at this club. Scores goals and works damned hard. He generated the breakthrough from which Palmer put the home side ahead.
But he misses so many chances. And duly obliged in the first half after cracking work on the wing by England wideman Noni Madueke. Skewing a close range shot over the bar.
Maresca toyed with his line up too like his opposite number Andoni Iraola.
Placing Moises Caicedo as right back turned midfielder and it wasn’t a happy ending.
His best tackler went in a bit too hard on Antoine Semenyo in the box and ref Rob Jones awarded a clear penalty.
GettyAntoine Semenyo gave Bournemouth a shock lead[/caption]
GettyThe game was turned on its head[/caption]
Kluivert sent Robert Sanchez the wrong way to square things up. And that’s when Chelsea got rattled.
Palmer disappeared, Colwill was limping. Madueke was plugging away but getting nowhere.
And Bournemouth seized their moment in the 68th minute when Semenyo was put through again in the box and brushed off rookie Josh Acheampong with ease.
It was a lesson in maturity and strength for the teenager who was immediately hooked once the Cherries man had blasted an unstoppable shot past Sanchez.
Bournemouth rode their luck when David Brooks was lucky to stay on after appearing to whack Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella.
Ref Rob Jones can only have missed the original incident as he was summoned by VAR to the pitchside monitor then handed the midfielder a yellow card when everyone expected a red.
It was deemed reckless and not violent conduct but still a strange sight to see.
Nonetheless, Bournemouth held on and at one point were leading, level on points with Chesea and sending Maresca’s expensive team tumbling out of the Champions League places until James delivered from a set-piece.
Joao Felix was pulled down outside the box and from almost 30 yards, James sent a reminder that he isn’t quite finished yet but curling home a stunning shot into the opposite corner.
GettyJames salvaged a late point[/caption]
ReutersJames saved Chelsea from a disappointing defeat[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
