Chelsea beat Bournemouth 2-0, but still finish eighth

Chelsea won their last home league game of the year, beating Bournemouth 2-0. The Blues had a good opening half hour, with Kai Havertz and Mason Mount scoring for the favourites.

In the third minute, a recovered Reece James was the first to threaten, but his volley was stopped by the visiting defence. Chelsea were the better side and took the lead in the 16th minute. Mason Mount cleverly found Kai Havertz, who only tapped into a half empty net.

Bournemouth were too cautious around their own penalty area and in the 24th minute Mount took advantage with a precise shot from just outside the box.

Although the visitors were getting into the offensive half, they were unable to score, as if they were afraid. On the other side, Christian Pulisic added the Blues’ third shot, but the goal was disallowed due to an offensive foul.

After the Cherries had two chances in stoppage time, the home side went into the booth with a 2-0 lead. Bournemouth were more active after the change of sides, but it wasn’t until the 59th minute that the scoring came. However, Jaidon Anthony only hit the centre of the net.

A minute later Havertz headed inaccurately on the other side. The game lost pace in the second half, with the Blues playing what they could. It wasn’t until the 72nd minute that stopper Kalidou Koulibaly tried his luck with a header and it went just wide.

It wasn’t until the final 20 minutes that the underdog pulled away. However, substitute Ryan Christie’s attempt was knocked down by the defence and the other chances did not end. Anthony’s attempt from a direct kick was blocked by the home goalkeeper.

Chelsea moved up to eighth place with a 2-0 win, six points behind the top four and a game to spare. Bournemouth remain in 14th place.

Source: Canal+ Sport