Chelsea once again struggled to deal with long throws as Bournemouth exploited this weakness twice with Antoine Semenyo's throw-ins in a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge. David Brooks put the Cherries ahead early on after Semenyo's throw wasn't handled properly, but Cole Palmer equalised from the penalty spot shortly afterwards. Enzo Fernandez then put Chelsea in front on the 23rd minute with a superb shot into the top corner.
However, the visitors levelled the score when Semenyo's throw into the box once again created havoc. This time, Justin Kluivert was there to tap in at the far post following Trevoh Chalobah's misjudged header. It was a first half that saw four goals shared equally, but there were none in the second half to determine a winner. Express Sport rates and slates the Chelsea players...
Chelsea player ratings vs Bournemouth
Robert Sanchez - 6
Sanchez could have done better for the opening goal. He parried it straight to Brooks, who scored on the rebound. However, the Spaniard made an excellent save 18 minutes in to prevent Brooks scoring his second of the game.
Josh Acheampong - 4
First appearance in the Premier League in over two months. Up against the tricky Semenyo. Struggled. Just didn't look as assured and as confident as he usually does.
Wesley Fofana - 6
Back in the defence. Performed well at times, particularly one moment when he calmly controlled the ball with his head after a dangerous lofted pass in his direction.
Trevoh Chalobah - 5
Kluivert's goal was far from impressive. His flick on allowed the Bournemouth forward an easy tap-in at the far post as Chelsea once again showed hesitation when defending a long throw-in.
Malo Gusto - 5
Gusto started at left-back, filling in for the injured Marc Cucurella. He was caught out of position during Bournemouth's significant chance on 18 minutes. Gusto was upfield, leaving space for Brooks who should have scored. 5.
Moises Caicedo - 5
Caicedo received a booking very early on and will now miss the trip to Manchester City at the weekend. Understandably, such an early yellow seemed to affect him somewhat.
Enzo Fernandez - 7
Fernandez delivered a stunning strike into the top corner on 23 minutes. He was a bit fortunate with his touch to set up the chance, but there was nothing lucky about the shot into the top corner. However, he did give the ball away carelessly a couple of times.
Estevao Willian - 8
The 18-year-old made his first Premier League start since the beginning of the month. Early on, it was classic Estevao, winning Chelsea a penalty. His skill had Bournemouth's defence in knots and he was eventually brought down by Semenyo. By far Chelsea's best player, even when he switched to the left-hand side in the second half.
Cole Palmer - 7
Palmer made consecutive Premier League starts for the first time this season. He expertly converted a penalty to bring Chelsea level. However, he wasn't able to influence the game as much as he would have liked.
Alejandro Garnacho - 4
Garnacho assisted his fellow countryman Fernandez for Chelsea's second goal of the match. Prior to that, he was culpable of overthinking on the ball and squandered a decent shooting opportunity. Substituted at half-time.
Liam Delap - 6
Delap's first start since earlier in the month (December 6) against Bournemouth, ironically. Demonstrated strength in some of his runs. His team-mates often missed him when making runs behind, which must be exasperating for the No. 9.
Substitutes
Reece James (on for Acheampong 46') - 6
Came on at half-time. Passed well but couldn't influence the game as he has in recent appearances.
Pedro Neto (on for Garnacho 46') - 6
Neto appeared lively. Delivered a good cross towards Delap shortly after coming on. However, his impact wasn't significant enough.
Joao Pedro (on for Palmer 63') - 6
Entered the game with just under half an hour of normal time left. Failed to make an impact.
Andrey Santos (on for Delap 87') - N/A
Played for a few minutes but didn't stand out much. N