Pulisic suffers, but Chelsea beat Bournemouth

Having gone winless in their last five Premier League games, Chelsea enjoyed a 2-0 win against AFC Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday as the Blues returned from the World Cup break.

Chelsea took the lead in the 16th minute when a sweeping move culminated in Kai Havertz convert from sterling rahimThe perfectly weighted pass. eight minutes later, mason assembly He contributed a second goal with a superb shot.

Christian Pulisic he had a goal disallowed before half time, but the first two goals decided the outcome as Chelsea put on a positive display that saw the Blues move up one place to go eighth. the table of the first division.

positives

Chelsea prevailed in the game almost immediately and, having gone five Premier League games without scoring in the first half, managed two goals in 24 minutes.

There was plenty of quality on the ball for manager Graham Potter to be satisfied with, and his team often pressed well as well. They continued to impress as they largely dominated the second half, even if they didn’t add another goal, while there was also solidity defensively in periods when they came under pressure.

– Broadcast on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga and more (USA)
– O’Hanlon: How a multi-team Premier League swap could work

negatives

The big concern was that the Blues carelessly conceded the ball in dangerous positions, which didn’t prove costly this time around, but will need to be scrapped when they face Manchester City twice in early January.

Chelsea will also be hugely disappointed to see Reece James go off injured, and Potter would have liked a second-half goal to put any doubts away, as Chelsea’s set pieces often prove disappointing.

Manager rating (out of 10)

Graham Potter, 8 — Potter’s team looked well organized after the World Cup break, and he will probably be pleased with their overall performance. With Mateo Kovacic yet to return to Chelsea action after being with Croatia, the decision to play Denis Zakaria in midfield paid off.

Player ratings (1-10 with 10 = best)

G.K. Kepa Arrizabalaga7 — He put on a decisive display, deflecting the ball after a poor pass from Kalidou Koulibaly, turning things around as he was often composed with the ball at his feet. He picked up Jaidon Anthony’s deflected shot well from distance.

DF Thiago Silva7 — Making his 100th Chelsea appearance, the Brazilian visibly struggled with injury in the early stages, though he continued to move the ball well, despite executing a poor pass that was cut up in his box. He crossed well to stop Dominic Solanke, then did well to cut off Zemura’s late cross.

DF Kalidou Koulibaly6 — He made some well-timed challenges, though he got away with two bad passes in dangerous positions. He hit a great header to clear Zemura’s cross, then came awfully close with a header of his own.

DF Marco Cucurella8 — He finished off an early free kick from a promising position, but then showed a lot of quality on the ball. He provided a solid defensive display and did brilliantly to get the ball away from Jack Stacey in his own box.

DF reece james8 — He grazed his early shot after a nifty corner, but kept pushing forward and brought quality through his cross. He saved a good shot after beating Jordan Zemura in the box.

FM George7 — He played a good pass to Mount in the build-up to the opener and often moved the ball well in midfield, while also positioning himself well to win back possession.

FM mason assembly9 — He showed a lot of intelligence in picking up good pockets of space and utilizing them brilliantly. He released Sterling in the build-up for the opening goal and then scored Chelsea’s second with an exquisite finish that did magnificently to keep the movement alive. He had a shot saved after a brilliant advance.

FM Denis Zakaria8 — He had to wait for his Premier League debut but put in a brilliant performance full of energy, putting in a great job defensively as he notably challenged Zemura in his own box. He couldn’t apply the finish when presented with a couple of chances in the second half.

F.W. Kai Havertz9 — He scored his header at the wrong time after a good cross from Cucurella, but soon got his goal by applying a clinical shot to Sterling’s delivery. He looked strong while also providing quality, as he encapsulated himself when he gave Mount a good break for his goal, while he even defended well from the corners. He sliced ​​Lloyd Kelly well inside, but dragged his shot comfortably wide.

F.W. Christian Pulisic6 — He often seemed frustrated when shooting wide after Adam Smith yanked his jersey, then having a goal disallowed after Havertz was deemed to have fouled Smith. He made a poor move attempt after Travers saved James’ shot, then made a wild effort from a promising position in the second half.

F.W. sterling rahim8 — He provided a lot of energy and quality to the right, particularly linking up well with James. He delivered a perfectly weighted pass for Havertz to score the opener and it was denied by a strong left hand from Mark Travers. He did superbly picking out Zakaria in the second half, although some of the set pieces from him were disappointing.

Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes do not get a rating)

César Azpilicueta (James, 53′), 6 — He fit comfortably on the back line, returning Kepa from a potentially dangerous Bournemouth ball, although there were times when he struggled as Bournemouth ran at him. He finished off a pinpoint cross for Koulibaly’s chance. He used his experience to help run out time.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Pulisic, 82″), N/R — Played a good pass but then Marcos Senesi denied another passing attempt.

Conor Gallagher (Zakaria, 82″), N/A — Kelly blocked his shot after a brilliant opportunity opened up for him.

Trevoh Chalobah (Sterling, 88″), N/R — He was solid in helping watch the game while clearing the ball.