Chelsea Player Ratings vs Bournemouth: Sterling, Havertz, others shine as James is injured again

December 28th, 2022 by Olasunkanmi Ibikunle

Goals from Kai Havertz and Mason Mount condemned AFC Bournemouth to a 2-0 defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Bank Holiday Tuesday.

The Cherries went behind in the 16th minute when Germany international Havertz slid in to meet Raheem Sterling’s cross at the far post, the striker netting from close range.

England’s Mount doubled Chelsea’s lead with a finely-taken goal midway through the first half, the midfielder curling the ball into the bottom corner of the net from around 25 yards.

Although the Cherries rallied in the second half, they were unable to find a way past Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa and a well-drilled defensive unit.

Kepa Arrizabalaga – 7

Wasn’t properly called into action until the 79h minute, where he saved well with his feet to deny Ryan Christie from a tight angle.

Looked good with the ball at his feet too, pinging it out to the full-backs confidently.

Reece James – 8
The right-back makes such a difference to Chelsea and didn’t look like he’d missed a game in what was his first outing since injuring his knee in October.

Put a number of dangerous crosses into the box, but was visibly devastated after being forced off early in the second half.

Kalidou Koulibaly – 6
Didn’t stand out at much as his centre-back partner Thiago Silva, but a decent enough showing nonetheless.

Dealt with the spirited Dominic Solanke easily enough, and was unlucky to see an excellent header sail just the wrong side of the post with 17 minutes left to play.

Thiago Silva – 7
Appeared to pick up a knock to his knee early on, but battled on regardless.

As calm and composed as ever, he always seemed to be in the right place at the right time to clean up while making everything look effortless.

Marc Cucurella – 6
Went about his business well enough, but didn’t do anything to suggest he will start over Ben Chilwell when the Englishman returns from injury.

But the Spaniard will be encouraged by his performance, given he has struggled to really settle yet since his big money move from Brighton in the summer.

Jorginho – 7
Controlled the tempo of the game before the break, pulling the strings from midfield.

Didn’t have as much of a grip on it in the second half which allowed the Cherries to knock on the door more than in the first 45 minutes.

Denis Zakaria – 8
Handed his first Premier League start by boss Potter and did no harm to his chances of staying in the side.

Always eager to drive forward from midfield but did his defensive work well too, typified with a brilliant last-ditch challenge on Jordan Zemura in the first-half.

Mason Mount – 8
Doubled Chelsea’s advantage with a delightful curling effort from just outside the box.

Looked dangerous throughout and the confidence coursing through his veins thanks to his goal was clear for all to see.

Denied a second goal after a surging run from midfield by a decent Mark Travers save.

Christian Pulisic – 7
Carried on his good World Cup form with a spirited performance on the left-hand side, although he did tail off in the second half.

Unlucky not to have a goal to his name when referee Simon Hooper blew for a foul by Havertz on Adam Smith, which would have raised little attention if it wasn’t given.

Raheem Sterling – 8
His delightful low cross put the ball on a plate for Havertz to put Chelsea ahead.

Alongside Reece James the England duo were Chelsea’s main source of threat down the right, with Zemura unable to live with them.

His performance had everything but a goal.

Kai Havertz – 9
Should have done better when presented with a free header from a Cucurella cross but couldn’t keep his effort down.

Quickly put it behind him to slot Chelsea ahead on 16 minutes after getting between Marcos Senesi and Smith to slot home.

Teed up Mount for the second, laying the ball into the midfielder to curl home from outside the area.

Substitutes

Cesar Azpilicueta (on for James, 53) – 6
Didn’t have anywhere near as much attacking threat as James when he came on, but a solid enough performance from the Spaniard.

  • Comments Off on Chelsea Player Ratings vs Bournemouth: Sterling, Havertz, others shine as James is injured again
  • Posted in Uncategorized

Comments are closed.