Bournemouth celebrating their second goal against Chelsea. (Image: Getty.)
are now without a win in five games and their latest frustration came from giving up a lead at home to , drawing 2-2 and being saved by a stoppage-time Reece James free-kick.
gave the hosts an early lead following some old-fashioned striker play from Nicolas Jackson, coolly finishing past the goalkeeper in a dominant opening 45 minutes.
However, roles soon reversed as Moises Caicedo bundled Antoine Semenyo over in the box for a penalty, which Justin Kluivert tucked away.
Then Semenyo turned from provider to goalscorer when he blasted an effort into the roof of Robert Sanchez’s net at the near post, with capitulating in the second half, much to the frustration of an irate on the sidelines before the Blues’ captain became their saviour.
Here, Daily Express looks at how the home stars fared against Bournemouth…
Chelsea player ratings vs Bournemouth (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Robert Sanchez – 4
Nearly gifted Bournemouth a goal before half-time when he brazenly gave the ball away, Semenyo went close and Kluivert hit the post as Sanchez’s blushes were just about spared.
Will also be disappointed to have been beaten at the near post by Semenyo, though there was plenty of power on the effort. Filip Jorgensen is breathing down his neck after impressive cup performances.
Defence
Moises Caicedo – 4
With Romeo Lavia restored to midfield, Caicedo was able to invert from right-back in a system that suited the Blues so well a few weeks ago.
But one issue continues to crop up with Caicedo consistently having to mark left-wingers. He was unable to deal with another in Semenyo, bringing him down inside the area and referee Rob Jones had no choice but to point to the spot.
Was relieved of his full-back duties after 55 minutes when James came on. Maresca may need a re-think after the skipper stepped up.
Josh Acheampong – 6
On just his second start, Acheampong largely kept stand-in striker Dango Ouattara quiet but should have got closer to Semenyo before the Ghanaian blasted an effort into the roof of the net.
Justin Kluivert equalising from 12 yards. (Image: Getty)
Levi Colwill – 6
With boss watching on for his first return to Stamford Bridge since being sacked as boss, Colwill was unable to come away with a clean sheet but did little wrong throughout.
Marc Cucurella – 5
Got , and had a solid if unspectacular evening aside from getting caught late on and being rescued by Tosin Adarabioyo.
May get more joy inverting into midfield rather than making up a back three, as opposed to Caicedo tucking in on the opposite flank.
Midfield
Romeo Lavia – 6
Lasted 55 minutes as his return to fitness continued and made way just as Bournemouth began to increase the intensity.
Enzo Fernandez – 6
Reverted back to an advanced position alongside Palmer, which suited Fernandez. He caused plenty of trouble for Lewis Cook and Tyler Adams with his runs beyond them early doors, but in the second half struggled to make much of an impact.
– 8
It took less than a minute for Palmer to find Fernandez free in the six-yard area but the Argentine could not take advantage, then the England man moments later nutmegged his opponent and set the tone for this match, Palmer being ‘s only source of threat.
There wasn’t a single person inside Stamford Bridge worried when Palmer bore down on goal after Jackson’s through ball, dummying Mark Travers before tucking his 14th goal of the season away.
His influence did wane in the second half, after running off a potential ankle injury, and he needed more support as James stepped up to provide it as an unlikely source.
Cole Palmer finishing past Mark Travers. (Image: Getty)
Attack
Noni Madueke – 7
Did incredibly well to create a golden chance for Jackson after 30 minutes, skipping past Milos Kerkez and flashing a ball across goal only for the striker to blaze over the bar from close range. One of few who offered Palmer some relief as he carried the attacking burden.
Nicolas Jackson – 7
Jackson hasn’t scored in his last five matches but proved that he could very much still influence matches without hitting the back of the net himself.
His hold-up play for Palmer’s opener was sublime, holding off Illia Zabarnyi and then rolling the defender before slipping his team-mate in to score.
That goal continues to elude him, though, firing over from a few yards out and then hitting the post from the edge of the box within minutes.
Two more chances fell in quick succession, having met Palmer’s stunning cross at the back post but Jackson’s header was saved by Travers and his follow-up hit the side-netting. He didn’t get anywhere near as many chances after the half-time break.
Jadon Sancho – 6
A double nutmeg got the Stamford Bridge crowd off their feet, in another steady performance from the loanee. Though more attacking output will soon be demanded.
Substitutes
Reece James (55′) – 8
Cometh the hour, cometh the hero. Their big leader, returning from injury, hit a low free-kick to send Stamford Bridge into raptures and save a point.
Tosin Adarabioyo (71′) – 7
Brought on for Acheampong to add some experience to a backline that was under extreme pressure and did calm the nerves somewhat. Made a strong block with five minutes remaining to keep in the match.
(81′) – N/A
Joao Felix (81′) – N/A