Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with Bournemouth didn’t tell us a lot, at least, not much that’s positive.
Enzo Maresca’s side were frankly lucky to hold on to the draw.
Chelsea had the lion’s share of possession, but didn’t create a single big chance in 90 minutes of play. The second half was an improvement on the first, but ultimately, the Blues had no answers for a solid Bournemouth side.
The biggest lessons can be taken from decisions in the dugout rather than anything we saw on the pitch.
Who has disappointed you most from Chelsea’s scoreless draw with Bournemouth? 😶
Palmer might get a pass after two months out of the lineup.
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Enzo Maresca has less midfield depth than we thought
One of the areas in which this game was decided was the middle of the park.
Reece James’ recent performances in the midfield have wowed us all lately, and we were happy to see him back in the lineup alongside Enzo Fernandez.
The performance, though, wasn’t of the same standard. Bournemouth were without Tyler Adams and Lewis Cook, but their makeshift midfield was comfortable in dealing with the one that dominated Arsenal six days prior.
Despite that, Maresca did not look to change anything in the engine room. Moises Caicedo is still suspended, but Andrey Santos is available. The decision to stick it out points to Maresca not trusting his other midfield options.
Hard times for Joao Pedro
Liam Delap started against Bournemouth, but had to make way after just 30 minutes due to a shoulder injury. More bad luck for the Englishman.
But when it became clear that he would have to make way, everyone in the Vitality must have been expecting the number 20 to go up on the board — that of Joao Pedro. Instead, Marc Guiu was brought on. He had minimal impact on proceedings.
Delap goes off with an early injury…
Did Maresca make the right call bringing on Marc Guiu? 🤔
Liam Delap goes of injured during Chelsea vs Bournemouth
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
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It does indicate, though, that Maresca doesn’t see Pedro as an out-and-out striker. He would come on at the hour mark, but the decision to go with Guiu early on suggests he isn’t being trusted in that line-leading role.
The highs of the Club World Cup feel a lifetime away, but it was just five months ago. We have seen the Brazilian’s quality. He does need an uptake in form, though.
Cole Palmer needs more time
Probably the biggest takeaway from this Premier League outing is that Cole Palmer looked leggy.
Did Cole Palmer look a bit rusty?
Cole Palmer playing for Chelsea vs Bournemouth
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Cole Palmer’s stats vs Bournemouth Total
Minutes 58
xG 0.08
Key passes 1
Accurate passes 26/38 (68%)
Crosses (accurate) 1 (0)
Total shots 1
Touches 49
Dribbles (successful) 3 (2)
Via Sofascore
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Maresca made the decision to start Palmer, and now has a new problem. Should he play the Chelsea star back into form or wait until his fitness is back at the desired level.
Palmer needs to be involved if Chelsea are to challenge for silverware this season, but perhaps our eagerness has clouded judgement. He looked quite off the pace.
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