Chelsea called upon someone many fans had seemed to forget about tonight as they rescued a draw at Stamford Bridge.
Reece James stepped up off the bench with a sensational free-kick to save the Blues from complete embarrassment against Bournemouth.
Chelsea started incredibly brightly through Cole Palmer’s 14th goal of the season, however familiar feelings of late came again as they trailed late on.
Reece James explains his free-kick goal during Chelsea vs Bournemouth
This time though, they had a hero in the form of their club captain. James, on as a substitute for Romeo Lavia, stepped up in added time to level proceedings.
It was no doubt a huge moment for the right-back individually. Injuries have continued to plague what can still be an incredibly succesful career.
He spoke after the game about how he sensed an opportunity to beat the keeper from the set piece, with him deciding not to go over the wall in traditional style.
He told TNT Sports: “I knew the free-kick was shooting distance and I felt like that side of the goal was open. I tried to finish it as well as I could.
“There was a period where I was scoring quite frequently and I haven’t had that feeling in quite a long time because of injuries and setbacks. I’m happy to be back with the team and get on the scoresheet again.”
Chelsea were nearly untouchable in the first half at Stamford Bridge, however they were far off that in the second half.
Reece James thinks Chelsea deserved to beat Bournemouth
Many believe this was another game they should have won, with James seeming to agree with this.
He said: “To be honest, I don’t [think draw was fair]. We had a few clear-cut chances that we should’ve taken in the first half and put the game to bed. If you don’t take your chances, sometimes that can come back to bite you on the a___.
“There are positives to take from the game – coming from behind to take a point. There are negatives as well – not taking the chances we should. It’s mixed emotions.”
It is now five games without a win for Chelsea, and Enzo Maresca will be desperate to put that right when they take on Wolves on Monday night at home.
James will be hoping that can see him make his first Premier League start since his latest injury, having started against Morecambe in the FA Cup.
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