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Chelsea’s Captain, Reece James marked his return to Premier League action with a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer, securing a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge late on Tuesday night.
The Blues started brightly, with Cole Palmer almost releasing Enzo Fernandez within the opening minute. Palmer then had a free-kick saved by Mark Travers inside six minutes. Chelsea’s dominance continued throughout the first half, with Nicolas Jackson’s exceptional hold-up play causing problems for the Bournemouth defense.
In the 13th minute, Jackson’s clever play allowed Palmer to open the scoring. Palmer calmly finished after wrong-footing Travers with a faked shot, slotting the ball into the bottom corner. Chelsea were completely dominant, and Fernandez almost doubled their lead with a neat turn and shot that forced Travers into a save low to his right from 20 yards.
Jackson continued to threaten, striking a shot that rebounded off the post. Palmer also had an effort from outside the box palmed away by Travers. As the first half drew to a close, Jackson’s header was saved by Travers, and the rebound hit the side-netting.
Despite their dominance, Chelsea failed to capitalize on their chances, and Bournemouth capitalized on a mistake by Moises Caicedo, who fouled Antoine Semenyo in the penalty area. Justin Kluivert levelled the score from the spot five minutes into the second half.
The Cherries then took the lead in the 68th minute, courtesy of Semenyo’s fierce strike, which flashed past Robert Sanchez and went in off the left post. Chelsea pushed for an equalizer, but it seemed like it wouldn’t come until James’ late intervention.
Jackson looked like he might grab an immediate equalizer when he was passed the ball deep inside the Bournemouth penalty area, but Dean Huijsen produced a brilliant last-gasp diving block. The Senegalese striker continued to cause problems for the Bournemouth defense, having another shot saved after running in-behind and striking early.
Bournemouth might have added a third had it not been for a great last-ditch block by Tosin from a Kluivert shot. The centre-back was also close to grabbing an equalizer when he headed towards the top corner, but Travers made another fine save.
Chelsea’s pressure finally paid off in the fifth minute of stoppage time, when James curled a low free-kick through a crowded penalty area and into the net. The Blues’ late equalizer ensured the points were shared.
The draw keeps Chelsea in fourth place, two points ahead of Newcastle United and three behind Arsenal, with both sides having a game in hand.
