TOPS/FLOPS –Havertz who brings a smile back to the Blues, the hinge Silva-Koulibaly who maintains him and the injury of Reece James who erases him, find the tops / flops of Chelsea’s victory over Bournemouth (2-0).
TOPS
The big night for Havertz and Chelsea’s attacking trio
What a treat for the eyes! Over the first 45 minutes, Blues fans inevitably appreciated the many combinations between Sterling, Mount and Havertz. Simple, fast and effective, their agreement was as fantastic to watch as it was difficult for Bournemouth to manage. The two goals of the evening come from these combinations and are two wonders. In the trio, it was the German Kai Havertz who particularly stood out this evening. Author of a goal, on a center in a touch of Sterling, and an assist, for the curled strike of Mason Mount, he knew how to be decisive when Chelsea needed it. More discreet in the second half, he nevertheless has two good situations which will not go to the end with a shot that is too crossed (60′) and another blocked (83′).
The Silva-Koulibaly hinge
Eliminated prematurely in the World Cup, the two Blues defense executives quickly regained their senses. The imperial Senegalese in the duel reassured all his teammates while the Brazilian benefited his attackers with these numerous raises, all or almost all successful. The former Parisian who seemed touched at the start of the meeting held the whole match and delighted his partners while walking. Without much work until the hour of play, Koulibaly held his rank when the Cherries were more pressing. If the attack is irregular, Graham Potter knows he can count on his executives to solidify his defense.
FLOPS
The relapse of Reece James
How sad to see the English defender leaving his partners in tears. Forfeited for the World Cup with England because of a knee injury which occurred on October 13, Reece James is not doing well. Until his exit he however achieved a good score by being, as usual, solid defensively and very present in front with many races forward. But then, in the 55th minute, the return turned into a nightmare for him. He turned to his bench to ask for the change before collapsing to the ground, in tears. It looks like a relapse for the English defender who does not see the end of the tunnel this season.
Bournemouth’s too late awakening
How long it took to see the Cherries trying to put danger in front of Kepa’s goal. Very discreet in the first half, the attacking players woke up around the hour mark, when Chelsea dropped the pace. It was already too late unfortunately with a flagrant lack of intentions until the last 10 minutes of play and the late rise of the young winger Zemura. Twice, through Senesi and Christie, Bournemouth could have closed the gap but Kepa managed to keep his clean sheet.