Chelsea slipped back into their 2015-16 nightmares with a 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Bournemouth early this morning.
At this point Jose Mourinho may just be wondering if his third seasons are indeed cursed, after all the attacking force his side could generate failed to find a breakthrough, while a momentary lapse in the last 10 minutes left Cherries substitute Glenn Murray free at the near post to head home after Junior Stanislas’ corner.
Seemingly building on the momentum gained from positive results in the previous few weeks, a Chelsea side once again spearheaded by Eden Hazard instead of Diego Costa would control the flow of the game, sending 18 shots at the visitor’s goal which all went begging. It was to be another day of disappointment for the reigning champions, however, who have to deal with new lows after an eighth defeat of the season.
Chelsea
Thibaut Courtois – 5.5: Was tested far more than he was probably expecting, but made a number of astute stops before conceding late, which could be pinned more on his defenders than anything. Distribution was lacking a little.
Branislav Ivanovic – 5.5: Looked comfortable coming up against Junior Stanislas on the wing and passed with high accuracy, but was beaten to the ball inside of the box Steve Cook who would assist the winner.
Kurt Zouma – 5: Great distribution from the back and shows confidence in any challenge, a lapse by the team took some of the shine away from Zouma’s solid showings among the first team this season.
Baba Rahman – 5: Was composed for the most part in his defensive role, while also venturing up the pitch to deliver five crosses.
Gary Cahill – 4.5: Was drawn away from Murray at the near post which left the Cherries striker free to snatch the winning goal, otherwise showed his usual composure at the back.
Cesc Fabregas – 4: Also walks away from his marker during the crucial 82nd minute Bournemouth corner. Another outing where the Spaniard looks out of place and low on motivation, missing one-in-five passes.
Nemanja Matic – 5.5: The Serbian’s confidence is improving after a terrible start to the campaign. Passed at 90% accuracy, while also recording three take-ons and interceptions.
Oscar – 5: Was chosen as the man to make way for Diego Costa at the break, did record two shots on goal but lacked time on the ball.
Willian – 6.5: Chelsea’ best player on the field by far once more and the only one really able to dribble the ball against the Bournemouth defence to get into dangerous space. Created six chances and delivered an incredible 14 crosses.
Pedro – 6: Also gave the Cherries backline a torrid time with five successful take-ons and five shots on goal. Could not find the breakthrough for the Champions, however.
Eden Hazard – 5: Began as the false striker once more but a tendency to take the ball wide is obvious. Generated decent chances for the Blues, but was frustrated time and time again by Artur Boruc and the visiting backline.
Substitutes
Diego Costa – 4.5: Once again the infamous Spaniard’s performance lacked no evil intentions, yet he was relatively quiet around the goal during his 45 minutes. Should make a return to the starting lineup next week as things get desperate.
Bertrand Traore – 4: Replaced Rahman immediately following the Bournemouth goal but could not get any possession.
Loic Remy -4: Was also brought on when Chelsea conceded and also only had two touches on the ball.
Chelsea in 2014/15: 36 points from 15 games
Chelsea in 2015/16: 15 points from 15 games. pic.twitter.com/4gtAj8YPUG
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 5, 2015
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