Chelsea vs Bournemouth Review
A last-minute equalizer helped Chelsea secure a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. This result extended the Blues’ winless streak to five Premier League matches (3 draws, 2 losses). In search of a remedy for a mid-season slump that has seen Chelsea fall out of the title race, the team started strong in their return to Premier League play, taking the lead in the 13th minute. A clever reverse pass from Nicolas Jackson set up Cole Palmer, who showed his usual calmness in front of goal, deceiving Mark Travers with a feint before easily finishing.
In a continuous sequence of play, the woodwork was hit twice within seconds as Justin Kluivert sent a low shot against the post, just before Jackson raced down the other end and narrowly missed the target with a curled effort. The home team had a chance to extend their lead just before halftime, but Jackson squandered the opportunity by heading Palmer’s well-placed cross directly at Travers from close range and then missing the follow-up shot. Bournemouth quickly capitalized on Chelsea’s missed chance, scoring from a penalty after Moisés Caicedo misjudged a challenge on Antoine Semenyo.
No Premier League team has scored more goals from substitutes, and Kluivert, who came on for the injured James Hill in the 23rd minute, confidently converted the penalty to equalize. Although Chelsea seemed to regain momentum after VAR reviewed a hair pull by David Brooks on Marc Cucurella, Brooks only received a yellow card, which was unexpected. The match remained open, but with just over 20 minutes left, the visitors turned the tide as Semenyo outmaneuvered Josh Acheampong and scored high past Sánchez at his near post.
Chelsea sought to level the score and succeeded in stoppage time when their returning captain, Reece James, scored from a free-kick, securing a point for his team. Despite being unbeaten in their last six head-to-head matches (with four wins and two draws), this does little to enhance Chelsea’s chances of finishing in the top four, as fifth-placed Newcastle United could surpass Enzo Maresca’s team if they win against Wolves today. On the other hand, Bournemouth, despite the late setback, managed to achieve another positive result, keeping Andoni Iraola’s team in seventh place, making the prospect of European football increasingly likely.