It’s mostly negatives when you talk about Chelsea’s latest stumble against Bournemouth.
Chelsea have dropped another couple of Premier League points to round out 2025 in disappointing fashion.
Enzo Maresca wasn’t up to facing the press, so we’re yet to find out his thoughts on the match. We can guess, though.
Despite the general feeling of disappointment, there was one shining light. And it should finally convince Maresca to change his ways.
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Estevao Willian shows Enzo Maresca why he has to start for Chelsea
Estevao Willian was the standout performer against Bournemouth, showing yet again just how talented he is.
The Brazilian looked a step quicker than everyone on the pitch, and got the Stamford Bridge crowd on their feet every time the ball came to him.
He didn’t get a goal, but he won the penalty that opened Chelsea’s account with an electric run into the box stopped only by a foul from Antoine Semenyo.
In the second half, Estevao was swapped over to the left. It was the first time Maresca made that call, and it worked. He remained Chelsea’s most effective outlet in the second half, looking equally at home on the unfamiliar left side.
How good has this guy been tonight?
Estevao Willian vs Bournemouth
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
What is Chelsea’s best wing pairing right now?
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It raises a fair point — one that Chelsea fans have been screaming for months.
Maresca has been sparing with Estevao, protecting the 18-year-old as he adjusts to life in England.
Well, he looks quite adjusted. He needs to be starting far more in 2026. Especially now that he has shown his proficiency on both flanks, there’s no reason not to get him into the first XI regularly.
Cole Palmer another source of encouragement for Chelsea fans
He didn’t take over the game, but Chelsea’s number 10 looked sharper.
Palmer’s slow reintegration caused concern at Chelsea, but there is a clear improvement between Aston Villa and this Bournemouth performance.
Cole Palmer for Chelsea vs Bournemouth
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
He took his penalty well and was more involved and proactive in possession.
Hopefully this trajectory will take him back to the elite level we have become used to.
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