Chelsea drew with Bournemouth 2-2 at Stamford Bridge in another dispiriting performance which saw the Blues extend their run to one win in 7 in the Premier League.
The away team took the lead from a long throw, with the dangerous Antoine Semenyo hurling in an effort which three Chelsea players failed to get first contact on. The flicked ball found its way to David Brooks, who nodded at effort straight at Robert Sanchez was but able to scrap in the follow up.
Coming after 6 minutes, it was incredibly deflating for a festive Stamford Bridge who wanted to see their team come out and undo their recent dull performances.
Chelsea did then battle their way back into the game, with Estevao winning a penalty which Cole Palmer converted after he was brought down. The Brazilian was the shining light in this game, offering [almost all of our attacking threat.](https://chelsea.news/2025/12/estevao-hazard-successful-dribbles-channels/)
The Blues then had the lead – Alejandro Garnacho worked the ball down the left and picked out Enzo Fernandez, who took a nice turn then hammered the ball in.
But then Enzo Maresca’s team really let themselves down. They conceded to another long throw before half an hour was out.
The second half saw the home side huff and puff but fail to create too many clear cut chances, and they were booed off at full time. Things are reaching breaking point.
**MOTM – Estevao**
Analysis
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Moises Caciedo battles for possession against Bournemouth. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
In a season where long throws have been one of the dominant narratives, against a team who has been using them really effectively, conceding two goals to long throws is just unacceptable.
It’s a total coaching failure – these are controlled situations which can be planned and prepared for. To concede like this, when you’ve got a guy on your staff whose full time job it is to prevent that, is pathetic.
Sometimes there’s not much you can do, but in this case it’s just a terrible reflection on Chelsea and their situation right now.
Teams
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**Chelsea**
Robert Sanchez
Josh Acheampong
Wesley Fofana
Trevoh Chalobah
Malo Gusto
Moises Caicedo
Enzo Fernandez
Estevao
Cole Palmer
Alejandro Garnacho
Liam Delap
_Substitutes_
Filip Jorgensen
Tosin Adarabioyo
Benoit Badiashile
Pedro Neto (s 46′)
Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (s 90′)
Andrey Santos (s 87′)
Joao Pedro (s 63′)
Reece James (s 46′)
Facundo Buonanotte
**AFC Bournemouth**
Djordje Petrovic
Alejandro Jimenez
James Hill
Marcos Senesi
Adrien Truffert
Marcus Tavernier
Alex Scott
David Brooks
Justin Kluivert
Antoine Semenyo
Evanilson
_Substitutes_
William Dennis
Julian Araujo
Julio Soler
Adam Smith (s 90′)
Bafode Diakite
Amine Adli (s 78′)
Eli Junior Kroupi
Enes Unal (s 82′)
Remy Rees-Dottin
Stats
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Quote of the game
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“After the game he went to the changing room and he asked me to replace him because he didn’t feel well and that’s the only thing I can tell you guys” – Willy Caballero on why Enzo Maresca did not attend the post-match press conference.