Chelsea failed to end 2025 with a win as they were held to a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge by a spirited Bournemouth side.
It is now three games without a win for Enzo Maresca’s side, and the manager was in the firing line for some of his decisions during the game.
Stamford Bridge booed loudly when Cole Palmer was subbed off in the second half. He is still yet to complete 90 minutes since his return from injury.
Chelsea fans not happy with Enzo Maresca…
Chelsea fans booed when Cole Palmer was taken off in the second half.
What did you make of the England international’s performance?
Cole Palmer for Chelsea vs Bournemouth
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Introducing the likes of Reece James, Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto did little to influence proceedings in the second half, as Chelsea went three games without a win in the Premier League.
Chelsea v Everton - Premier League
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Andrey Santos warmed up alone ahead of Chelsea vs Bournemouth
One of Maresca’s last throws of the dice was to introduce Andrey Santos into the fray, replacing Liam Delap after he again failed to open his league account.
Interestingly, before the game, the Brazilian was not warming up with the rest of the substitutes, or even the first team squad.
Instead, journalist Bobby Vincent pointed out that he had come out early to warm up on his own.
He said: “Andrey Santos out to warm up earlier than the other Chelsea subs. Doing one-on-one stuff while the XI warm up elsewhere.”
It is unclear at this stage why Santos was warming up alone, but it certainly doesn’t look as if it is due to a fitness problem after he was thrown on late.
Who was your Man of the Match vs Bournemouth?
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Familiar problem for Chelsea against Bournemouth
Both goals Chelsea conceded against Bournemouth came after long throw-ins from their opponents, exposing a familiar weakness in their game.
Willy Caballero, who was completing post-match duties in place of the unwell Maresca, admitted that it has become a real problem for the Blues, who are struggling to come up with an answer.
Set-piece coach Bernardo Cueva was frantically issuing instructions to the Chelsea players to try and deal with things, however they looked edgy everytime the ball was launched into their box.
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