AFC Bournemouth’s unbeaten start to the season ended at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea.
The home side took all three points with what on paper looks a comfortable 2-0 victory. But the scoreline did not tell the story of this game.
The Cherries made a couple of changes for this game, most notably giving Premier League debuts to summer signings Jefferson Lerma and Diego Rico.
The latter played a key role in the Cherries first decent chance of the game, Rico’s excellently whipped in a left-footed cross which was met by Callum Wilson, but the striker was unable to finish off AFC Bournemouth’s lovely sweeping move.
Then former Chelsea defender Nathan Ake failed to score from two yards out when he lost his marker at a corner.
Another turning point in the game could have been a potential red card for Chelsea’s Alonso, but the referee refused to make a decision.
AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe told afcb.co.uk…
“When the chances come, they can be big and last year we took those chances. The first goal is absolutely crucial; today we didn’t get it and had a challenge to then chase the game.
“We tried not leave them in one-on-one situations, tried to restrict their space and at times I thought we doubled up well. We had the best opportunities in the game and you have to try and take them.
“Our front three did well, they kept asking questions of their defence and kept the ball well between them. We’re pleased with majority of our performance, but ultimately disappointed not to win.
Your say…
AlGard wrote…
Held them quite comfortably for 70 minutes.
A fine rearguard action, which sadly we couldn’t complete.
Thought Callum should have scored 1st half.
Positives.
Rico. Someone who can put a pinpoint cross in, whether dead ball or on the run.
Lerma, strong, determined, but still plenty to learn. He will be a great player once he beds in.
Frano. We keep writing him off, but he puts in a shift for the cause as ever.
All in all, It was nice to go to Chelsea and expect a decent result.
It didn’t happen, but nothing to fret about. – Join the conversation, click here.
AFCB Vital sponsors of Cherry Bear and Supporters Travel
