In a dramatic finish at the Vitality Stadium, Chelsea clinched a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bournemouth, extending their unbeaten head-to-head record to six games. The decisive moment came from substitute Christopher Nkunku, whose late goal was the highlight of a match brimming with intensity and drama.
Bournemouth’s Early Domination
The Cherries came into this fixture with high spirits, buoyed by their thrilling comeback win against Everton before the international break. From the outset, Bournemouth displayed their intent. Marcus Tavernier’s stunning long-range effort crashed off the crossbar within the first few minutes, signaling their attacking prowess. The home side continued to press, with Evanilson and Antoine Semenyo missing their chances, while Chelsea’s Robert Sánchez made crucial saves to deny Justin Kluivert and Lewis Cook.
Bournemouth’s best chance of the first half arrived just after the half-hour mark. A misplaced backpass by Wesley Fofana put Sánchez under immense pressure. Evanilson seized the opportunity, beat Sánchez to the ball, and earned a penalty. The record signing took the penalty himself, but Sánchez was equal to the task, pulling off a superb save to keep the scoreline level.
Chelsea’s Struggles and Tactical Adjustments
Chelsea’s first-half performance left much to be desired, with only a few flashes of brilliance. Nicolas Jackson’s effort, created by Levi Colwill, was saved by Mark Travers, but the Blues were otherwise lackluster. Manager Enzo Maresca had to reassess his strategy during the break.
Post-half-time, Bournemouth continued to dominate. Sánchez again thwarted Kluivert’s effort, while Semenyo’s attempt went just over the bar. Ryan Christie also hit the woodwork from a distance. Maresca responded by introducing João Félix and Jadon Sancho, whose fresh legs gave Chelsea renewed energy and control.
Nkunku’s Late Drama
The introduction of Nkunku proved to be a game-changer. After being set up by Sancho, Nkunku showcased his skills by turning past a couple of Bournemouth defenders and calmly slotting the ball into the corner of the net. The goal sent the visiting Chelsea fans into a frenzy and secured a vital win for the Blues.
Record-Breaking Match
The match was also notable for its disciplinary record, with 14 yellow cards, setting a new Premier League record. Despite the game’s chaotic nature, Chelsea’s resilience shone through as they continued their unbeaten streak to three league matches. Conversely, Bournemouth’s season struggles persisted, with only one win across all competitions.
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