Eden Hazard scored the only goal of the game as Chelsea beat Bournemouth on Saturday evening at the Vitality Stadium. It was a game largely dominated by the Blues who lacked a finishing touch, so who impressed and who had a night to forget?
Thibaut Courtois – 6.5
Untroubled for large parts of the game and his job was to come out and collect crosses, which he managed with ease. Did well to hold onto Steve Cook’s late strike but deserved his clean sheet.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 8
A terrific defensive display from the skipper – nothing could get past him. He was successful in every tackle he attempted and made a crucial block to deny Callum Wilson from close range.
David Luiz – 7
Performed his job well in the middle of the back 3; going out to press and dropping back to sweep when needed. Jermain Defoe was subbed off at half time and that was mainly because of the Brazilian.
Antonio Rudiger – 7.5
Given the nod over Gary Cahill and didn’t let Antonio Conte down. The German defender was solid on the left of the back 3 and expansive and creative in possession.
Davide Zappacosta – 6.5
Heavily involved in Chelsea’s attacking play in the first half but couldn’t quite get the final ball right. Had a shot blocked from the edge of the area that looked goal bound but he’ll be slightly disappointed with his final product.
Cesc Fabregas – 7
Given far too much space and time on the ball and completely controlled the tempo of the game. He sprayed balls left, right and centre as Chelsea dominated possession against a tentative Bournemouth side. Perhaps should’ve scored as he saw his close range effort fly over the bar from a tight angle.
Tiemoue Bakayoko – 6.5
Won possession back when needed and acted as a starting point for most of Chelsea’s attacks. A powerful force in the centre of midfield which the Cherries simply couldn’t cope with.
Marcos Alonso – 5.5
Often provided an option out wide but the ball rarely found him. Wasn’t involved in the attacking play as much as usual and looked a bit out of sorts when the ball did find him out on that left hand side.
Pedro – 7
Linked up with Morata and Hazard like he used to with David Villa and Messi at Barcelona, it really was great to watch at times. Created plenty of chances for his teammates but will be disappointed about his cut-back to Hazard which the Belgian would’ve surely converted had the pass not been behind him.
Eden Hazard – 8.5
Proved to be the match winner on this occasion and made it 5 goals in 5 games against Bournemouth. He was found by Alvaro Morata on the left hand side and, thanks to a mistake from Simon Francis, he ran through unchallenged and fired past Asmir Begovic at his near post with his left foot. Other than that, he was Chelsea’s brightest spark going forward and linked up with Morata and Pedro way too frequently for Bournemouth’s liking
Alvaro Morata – 6
Having not found the net in the previous 4 games, you could tell he was a striker low on confidence. He missed a couple of excellent chances in the first half, one went wide and one was saved by Begovic. Had the ball in the night at one point but the linesman’s flag denied him. His hold up play improved as the game went on but he was eventually replaced by Michy Batshuayi.
Substitutes:
Danny Drinkwater – 6
Brought on to sure up the midfield and did just that with some important interceptions and tackles.
Michy Batshuayi – 5
Barely had a kick during the time he had on the pitch.
Willian – 5.5
Was able to bring the ball away from danger but couldn’t find Batshuayi in an attacking area.
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