Bournemouth vs Chelsea: Premier League 2024 Match Analysis

Final Score: Bournemouth 0 - 1 Chelsea

Overview

The Premier League clash between Bournemouth and Chelsea on September 14, 2024, at the Vitality Stadium was a tightly contested affair that ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for Chelsea. The match was notable for setting a new Premier League record for the most yellow cards in a single game, with referee Anthony Taylor issuing 14 yellow cards to players and one to Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca. Despite the high number of cautions, the game was not particularly dirty, and no players were sent off.

Key Moments and Performance

Jadon Sancho's Impact

Jadon Sancho made his debut for Chelsea after joining on loan from Manchester United. Coming on as a substitute at halftime, Sancho was instrumental in Chelsea's victory. His performance was marked by creativity and incisiveness, culminating in an assist for Christopher Nkunku's 86th-minute winning goal. Sancho's entry into the game provided Chelsea with the attacking impetus they had been lacking in the first half.

Christopher Nkunku's Decisive Goal

Nkunku's goal was the result of a well-executed move initiated by Sancho. The latter's pass cut through Bournemouth's defense, allowing Nkunku to slot the ball past the goalkeeper. This goal was crucial for Chelsea, who had struggled to break down Bournemouth's defense throughout the match.

Robert Sanchez's Heroics

Chelsea's goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez, played a pivotal role in securing the win. He saved a penalty from Bournemouth's Evanilson in the first half, which kept the scoreline level. Sanchez's performance between the sticks was exceptional, making several key saves to deny Bournemouth, who out-shot Chelsea 17-10 and accumulated 1.89 expected goals (xG).

Tactical Analysis

Chelsea's Defensive Frailties

Despite keeping a clean sheet, Chelsea's defense looked vulnerable at times. Axel Disasi, filling in for the injured Reece James and Malo Gusto, struggled on the right side, while Wesley Fofana's error led to the penalty incident. Manager Enzo Maresca's defensive setup appeared shaky, and Bournemouth's high press caused significant problems for Chelsea's backline.

Bournemouth's Missed Opportunities

Bournemouth had several chances to score, including a shot that grazed the post by Ryan Christie and a powerful strike from Marcus Tavernier that hit the crossbar. Their inability to convert these opportunities ultimately cost them the game. Evanilson's missed penalty was a turning point, and despite their dominance in certain phases, Bournemouth could not find the back of the net.

Disciplinary Record

The match set a new Premier League record for yellow cards, with 14 shown to players and one to Chelsea's coach. The high number of bookings was largely due to dissent and minor fouls rather than overly aggressive play. Referee Anthony Taylor's strict officiating style contributed to the record-setting number of cautions.

Player Ratings

Chelsea

• Robert Sanchez (8): Excellent performance with crucial saves, including a penalty stop.
• Axel Disasi (5): Struggled defensively and was given a tough time by Bournemouth's attackers.
• Wesley Fofana (6): Made a critical error leading to a penalty but was otherwise solid.
• Levi Colwill (6): Decent performance but not outstanding.
• Marc Cucurella (7): Provided good support on the left flank.
• Renato Veiga (5): Ineffective in midfield.
• Moises Caicedo (7): Worked hard defensively and tried to create opportunities.
• Noni Madueke (5): Largely ineffective and substituted early.
• Cole Palmer (5): Targeted by Bournemouth and struggled to make an impact.
• Pedro Neto (5): Ineffective and replaced at halftime.
• Nicolas Jackson (5): Failed to make a significant impact upfront.

Substitutes

• Jadon Sancho (8): Man of the match for his impactful debut and assist.
• Tosin Adarabioyo (6): Solid performance after coming on.
• Joao Felix (5): Did not make a significant impact.
• Christopher Nkunku (8): Scored the winning goal and was a constant threat.

Conclusion

Chelsea's narrow 1-0 victory over Bournemouth was a hard-fought and somewhat fortunate result. The match was characterized by a record number of yellow cards and a standout debut performance from Jadon Sancho. While Chelsea secured the three points, their defensive vulnerabilities and reliance on individual brilliance highlight areas that need improvement. Bournemouth, on the other hand, will rue their missed opportunities and the inability to capitalize on their dominance in certain phases of the game.