Although the score was 0-0, Chelsea’s draw with Bournemouth on Saturday had a lot of excitement in it.
That was largely down to Bournemouth and the attacking threat that they brought to the Premier League encounter.
Chelsea did not create too many good opportunities despite the return of Cole Palmer.
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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Palmer looked a bit rusty and was taken off in the second half as Enzo Maresca eases him back into things following his groin injury. However, his teammate Alejandro Garnacho did have one great chance.
Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea looks dejected during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Chelsea
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Alejandro Garnacho couldn’t believe he hit the post in Bournemouth draw
Unfortunately for the Blues, Garnacho was unable to convert his opportunity and they were forced to settle for a point.
Garnacho was in such disbelief after hitting the post that all he could do was put his hands across his mouth, according to Sky Sports reporter Lewis Jones.
After substituting Jamie Gittens and Estevao Willian in the defeat to Leeds United during the week, Garnacho and Pedro Neto starting was always likely.
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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However, the two wingers went into the game having never scored against Bournemouth before.
They will both get another shot, though, when Chelsea face Bournemouth again at the end of the month.
Adam Smith of Bournemouth and Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea during Premier League
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Alejandro Garnacho’s mixed performance against Bournemouth
Garnacho had some good moments at the Vitality Stadium. He almost scored and managed to complete a couple of crosses.
His wing play was not bad, but there is room for improvement. In total, the 21-year-old attempted three dribbles but did not complete any of them.
Alejandro Garnacho’s numbers vs Bournemouth Total
Minutes 77
Key passes 1
Crosses (accurate) 3 (2)
Total shots 2
Dribbles (successful) 3 (0)
Via Sofascore
When Chelsea face Atalanta in the Champions League next, Garnacho will be hoping to do better in that area.
Maresca may go with Gittens for that game, though, as he tries to keep his squad fit and prevent any more injuries from happening.
The Chelsea head coach is already without Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo and Levi Colwill, while Liam Delap has just picked up a fresh injury. It is a blow for the striker, who only recently returned to action.
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