Chelsea got their top-four push back on track after defeating Bournemouth 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.
Premier League
Result: Chelsea 2-0 Bournemouth
Date: 27 December 2022
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Kepa Arrizabalaga was named in goal for the Blues, who went with Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic and Raheem Sterling in the attack, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang starting on the bench.The Blues carved out the first chance after eight minutes when Marc Cucurella's cross to the far post found Havertz, who was unable to steer his header on the target.
The German forward was not to be denied in the 15th minute as he turned home Sterling's cross at the far post to hand Chelsea the lead.
The lead was doubled in the 23rd minute when Havertz turned provider to tee up Mason Mount, who calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner from 20 yards out.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, only started seeing more of the possession in the final 10 minutes of the first half but they were unable to threaten Kepa in the Blues goal.
The hosts were dealt a blow shortly after the halftime break, with the returning Reece James picking up an injury in the 53rd minute. He was replaced by Cesar Azpilicueta.
The Blues went close to adding a third goal in the 73rd minute when Kalidou Koulibaly rose well to meet Mount's corner but his header sailed just wide of the target.
Bournemouth did manage to carve out a chance five minutes later as Ryan Christie did well to carve out space and force Kepa into a low save at the near post.
That proved to be the final real opening at goal as the Blues held out for the clean sheet to go along with three points, which also ended a three-match winless run in the league.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
