Chelsea finally won a game on their seventh attempt since Frank Lampard's return to the club as they claimed three points against Bournemouth.
In the process they also confirmed Premier League football for next season. It seemed very unlikely that they would be relegated but this win sees it become mathematically impossible for the team to go down.
The blues made changes to the starting lineup. Wesley Fofana was reported to have an injury before the game so Benoit Badiashile came into the side. There were also starts for Trevoh Chalobah at right back, Conor Gallagher in midfield and Mykhailo Mudryk and Kai Havertz in attack. Noni Madueke also continued on the right wing after his good performance and goal, despite the loss against Arsenal in midweek. Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Raheem Sterling were amongst those to come out of the side.
Chelsea began relatively well and the right side, especially Madueke were causing problems to the Bournemouth defence. His speed and trickery were on full display. He was missing some of the end product as when he got into good positions his final pass or shot could have been better. This should improve for the 21 year old and some good coaching will likely help to refine his decision making and execution. There were certainly some very promising signs from him though. He completed 6 dribbles in the game.
Kante was also getting forward and progressing the ball up the pitch from that side.The opening goal came through him as he provided a measured cross to Conor Gallagher who headed in. Gallagher also had a good game in midfield.
Vina equalised for Bournemouth after a nice move which ended with a shot which beat Kepa. Thiago Silva stepped out of his defensive position to try to intercept the ball but he failed to win it which left a bit of space behind him. Kepa was slightly off his line but the shot from just inside the area was a very good one which beat him.
Chelsea started the second half with a high tempo but Bournemouth came back into the game again and had a few chances of their own. The best of these fell to Quattara who saw his header from close range go over the bar after a corner.
Lampard made some changes with Loftus-Cheek coming on for Kante, who had picked up a yellow card. Sterling also came on for Mudryk. Shortly after this Azpilicueta came on for the injured Chilwell and Ziyech came on for Madueke.
They were able to take the lead again as a free kick from Ziyech was finished by Benoit Badiashile, who scored his first goal for the club. Joao Felix then came off the bench for Havertz and scored almost immediately with a great first time finish after good build up play and run from Raheem Sterling who provided the assist.
The game was relatively even in terms of chances but Chelsea were more clinical .
Chelsea dominated possession with 66%. They completed more passes 529 (88% accuracy) against Bournemouth’s 230 (75% accuracy). They had 11 shots compared to 10. They also had 5 on target with Bournemouth having 4. Chelsea had 2 big chances and did not miss either of them while Bournemouth had 1 and missed 1.
Expected Goals
Bournemouth (1.23) 1-3 (1.68) Chelsea
(Stats via FotMob, expected goals via xG Philosophy)
Benoit Badiashile performed well again in defence. It has been a surprise to not see him in the starting lineup more often, especially after his performances shortly after he arrived at the club. He capped his performance with his first goal for the club.
Benoit Badiashile v Bournemouth -
86/101 pass completed (85% accuracy) - most in game
I0 passes into final third
6/9 accurate long balls
1/1 dribbles completed
0 times dispossessed
1 clearance
2 interceptions
3 ball recoveries
5 duels won
First goal for Chelsea
(Stats via FotMob, heat map via Sofascore)
It was a much improved performance but the game was relatively even before the second goal. There were positives especially the performances of the younger players such as Badiashile ( again) and Madueke. The players off the bench also had a positive impact for both the second and third goals. I would say looking at this game and the season overall Chelsea will need a defensive midfielder signing. This will provide more solidity to the team overall and will likely free up Enzo Fernandez to play further up the pitch. He has performed quite well in a deeper role but he would probably prefer to be more advanced.
Frank Lampard reaction -
"I'm pleased for the players, the fans and the club. Everyone is looking at Chelsea because we've been a huge success over the last 20 years so people probably delight in a tough moment.” (SkySports)
"I am happy. We have come off the back off a tough run and a tough year. There is a lot of work to do, but with the performance and result in isolation, I think we were really good. We deserved to win the game and it is a nice step forward for the group.” (BBC Sport )
“It’s not about me in the long run, it’s about how the club progresses and today was a day where we got some nice positives.”
Chelsea are at home to Nottingham Forest next Saturday before a difficult looking end to the season with games against Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle.
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