Premier League action resumed for Chelsea after four magical weeks of the FIFA World Cup. Chelsea were without a Premier League win since 16th October. The resumption of the Premier League after the world cup break was a perfect opportunity for Graham Potter’s side to start afresh and get points on board against AFC Bournemouth at the Stamford Bridge.
All in all, it was an expected routine victory for the Blues at home. Goals from Kai Havertz and Mason Mount in the first half paved the way for Chelsea’s first league win in over two months. Potter would have definitely walked satisfied and more importantly relieved with the convincing win.
Despite a big number of positives, there was a cause for concern in the second half when Reece James had to be subbed off because of an injury. Until that point, his connection with Raheem Sterling on the right flank was magnetic and threatening.
There were plenty of encouraging signs for Potter’s side after a poor run of five winless games. It is now time to build on the momentum and prance forward. Few players stood out in the 2-0 win and led from the front.
3 Chelsea players who shined against Bournemouth
CHELSEA’S KAI HAVERTZ
Kai Havertz is making a strong case for himself to be considered as the starting frontman in Graham Potter’s side. The Germany world cup returnee was involved in both Chelsea goals, bagging a goal and an assist.
Havertz had 42 touches throughout the 90 minutes and made three passes in the final third. The 23 year old wasn’t dispossessed even once and carried the ball with relative ease in and around the opposition goal area.
Chelsea looked in cruise control from the start and Sterling fired a low cross across the right flank in the goal area where Havertz was arriving and slid in to score the first goal of the night for the Blues.
Havertz played a smart move in Mount’s goal as the German laid the ball for Mount who had space ahead of him and the Englishman did not make any mistake in striking the ball from outside of the box.
With Armando Broja out for the rest of the season and Potter not completely relying on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for striker duties, Havertz has a fair shot at claiming the starter’s spot, especially after his impressive performance in the striker’s role against Bournemouth. Unless Chelsea end up signing a reliable striker in the January transfer window, it is Havertz’s position to keep.
RAHEEM STERLING
Raheem Sterling was a menace throughout the game on the right flank. The Englishman was one of the brightest stars for England at the World Cup and the 28 year old carried the same energy and momentum into the Bournemouth game. The former Manchester City man hugged the right touchline tightly and remained a reliable outlet for Potter’s men throughout the game.
He attempted 36 passes and maintained a pass accuracy of 92%, constantly being involved when Chelsea were going forward. Sterling played a key role in the first goal, assisting Havertz’s goal. Mason Mount released Sterling down the right flank and the 28 year old with panache fizzed the ball across the goal area for Havertz who made no mistake in sliding the ball into the goal.
It was the perfect stage for Sterling to shake off a rather disappointing end to England’s world cup campaign and get back in the groove for Chelsea. Sterling pumped his fist in air even before Havertz’s shot went in, perhaps, showing an exuberant response.
When he came off in the 88th minute for Trevor Chalobah, he was greeted with a standing ovation by the Stamford Bridge faithful, showing how important he was throughout the game and the impact he had on the field.
His connection with James was electric and caused all sorts of problems to Bournemouth’s Jordan Zemura. If this is a sign of what is to come from Sterling in the second half of the league campaign, Chelsea must not worry.
MASON MOUNT
Mason Mount has played every game for Chelsea since Potter took over the reins at Stamford Bridge, outlining the relevance of Mount in Potter’s side. The former Brighton boss heavily admires the Cobham graduate and has been intricately building the attacking outlets around him.
Mount isn’t shying away from the responsibility and it is showing in his performances. The 23 year old scored a goal and was involved in Havertz’s goal, showcasing his importance in Chelsea’s attacking dynamics.
Mount had 64 touches on the ball, the most by any attacking player on the pitch, while also creating the most chances (3) of the game. Mount was judicious in his defensive responsibilities too, recovering the ball four times and winning two tackles.
As Chelsea put themselves in the forward gear, Bournemouth struggled to cope. After being 1-0 ahead, an attack started from the back, with the ball eventually reaching Sterling who played it to Mount. Mount scanned the run of Zakaria and playued the ball to him. Zakaria couldn’t find the required space to shoot which allowed Hazertz to collect the ball from the Swiss international and play it out to Mount who had ample space ahead of him.
With space and time, Chelsea’s No.19 struck sweetly with his right foot into the bottom corner to double up the advantage. Mount can become the attacking nucleus of the side with him pulling the strings in attack and others around him acting as the supporting cast.