A late strike from substitute Christopher Nkunku secured a 1-0 win for Chelsea against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, taking them to six games without defeat against the Cherries. The victory also stretched Chelsea’s unbeaten league run to a third successive game.
Bournemouth started well, with Marcus Tavernier almost handing the hosts the perfect early lead as his long-range shot shook the crossbar. Cherries remained dominant, with Evanilson and Antoine Semenyo failing to capitalize on good openings before Chelsea goalie Robert Sanchez was made to pull off crucial saves away from Justin Kluivert and Lewis Cook.
At the other end, the visitors had their best opportunity to break the deadlock as a poor backpass by Wesley Fofana allowed Evanilson to win a penalty. Sanchez, however, came big, saving Evanilson’s spot-kick to keep the score all square.
Chelsea were pretty terrible in the first half, with Nicolas Jackson creating one of their rare moments of quality when forcing a save from Bournemouth’s Mark Travers. Bournemouth continued to press after the break as Ryan Christie hit the woodwork and Kluivert again tested Sanchez.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca replied with changes, throwing on Joao Felix and Jadon Sancho as the Blues took hold once more. Bournemouth’s counterattacks lacked any real venom, and Chelsea punished the fact that pressure wasn’t being applied to them.
In the 86, Nkunku, off the bench, linked up with Sancho, turned past defenders, and shot precisely into the corner to ensure all three points would belong to Chelsea.
A record 14 yellow cards were flashed during the match, a first for the Premier League. Bournemouth’s woes continue to mount, as they have managed only a single win across all competitions this season.
