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Eden Hazard scored the only goal of the game as Chelsea walked away from the Vitality stadium with all 3 points. Despite the scoreline being just 1-0, the game was not a close affair at all.
Chelsea dominated the possession and were the ones in control of the game throughout. Bournemouth were allowed just one good shot on target and that too was straight at Courtois.
Here are the talking points from the game:
#5 Eden Hazard is back to his best!
Eden Hazard has not been at his best ever since his return from injury. The Belgian had one brilliant game at Atletico Madrid but was unable to do his best in any other game this season.
However, he's shown all the signs today that he's back to his best and is hungry for more. The way he was slithering past the Bournemouth players and the way he scored made things clear for all.
He had his most productive game since the 2014/15 season in terms of chances created and was the heart of all the Chelsea attacks today. Antonio Conte and the Chelsea fans would be hoping that this is the start of his season and that he continues to deliver such performances all the time.
#4 Injury woes for Bournemouth
The first half was a solid performance by Bournemouth showed their intention to grind out a result today. Just when things were getting steady for the Cherries, their players started getting injured.
Jermain Defoe was the first one to go off after he reportedly picked up a knock in the first half. The striker made way for Jordan Ibe at halftime but is expected to be fit for the next game.
Bournemouth were 1-0 down when they got a glorious chance to counter, Junior Stanislas picked up a groin injury. The Englishman had just got past the Chelsea midfield and was busting into Chelsea's half when he went down injured at the half line.
Benik Afobe was the next to hit the treatment room for Bournemouth. He had a minor collision with David Luiz when he tried to pass the ball and he ended up injuring himself.
The Cherries will be hoping that they can manage to get results in the coming weeks without the injured players as they are 19th in the table and are desperately in need of points.
#3 No Cahill = Solid Defence
When the line-ups were announced today, Chelsea fans were pleasantly surprised to see Gary Cahill named on the bench. Cesar Azpilicueta lead the team at the Vitality Stadium and also commanded the defence.
David Luiz started in the heart of the defence with Azpilicueata and Rudiger on his either sides. The trio proved to be too strong for the Bournemouth attackers and the hosts were shut out completely.
Thibaut Courtois had to make just one save the entire game and that too a 93rd minute shot straight at him by Cook. The most challenging times for him on the pitch were the long throw-ins sent in by the host's full-backs.
#2 Testing time ahead for Bournemouth
Last season, Bournemouth were the surprise package. This season, however, they are unable to replicate the same or even 50% of it!
Defoe hasn't hit the ground running, Josh King is missing, injuries are piling up the pressure and the team is not able to click whatsoever. Eddie Howe needs to wave his magic wand again but is out of the portions and special ingredients!
Bournemouth face Newcastle United, Huddersfield, Swansea, Burnley, Southampton and Crystal Palace in the next 6 games before they face Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City just before the festive period.
If the Cherries fail to get at least 12 points from the next 6 games, it will be a tough task for them to stay in the Premier League. Moreover, it might signal the end of Eddie Howe's reign at Vitality too as the owners would opt to sack him despite what he's achieved at the club!
#1 Time for Kante and Drinkwater to partner again!
When Danny Drinkwater was injured, N'Golo Kante was fit and running. And now, it's the vice versa! The Frenchman is back in training and is expected to be starting against AS Roma in the midweek.
The main reason why the reunion on the pitch is important is that Cesc Fabregas and Tiemoue Bakayoko are not doing well. The duo started the game for Chelsea but was unable to link up or provide a solid cover in the front for David Luiz and Co.
They need to be given some time on the bench so that they step up their game and earn their place back. Conte's rotation policy should see them only playing in cup games and coming on late as substitutes.
Kante and Drinkwater gelled well together at Leicester City and that was one of the main reasons for the Foxes fairytale season. Chelsea fans would be hoping to see the same in the coming weeks and would be praying to see them replicate what they did 2 years ago.
