For the second game running, AFC Bournemouth have achieved a draw against a worthy opponent. On Sunday, Chelsea were held to a nil-nil draw at Dean Court. Both sides missed numerous opportunities, but a draw was a fair result after the full-time whistle was blown.
Chelsea Continue to Disappoint
Another week, another poor result for Chelsea. Their atrocious form continued, as Chelsea now have just five points from five. According to Opta, Chelsea have had the easiest opening five fixtures, which exacerbates the atrocity of their results. Chelsea's issues did not lie in chance creation, with an XG of 1.85. Yet, similar to numerous previous matches this season, the forwards failed to convert these opportunities; Connor Gallagher specifically, squandered an excellent chance when the ball fell to him wide-open on the penalty spot. Chelsea did get unlucky, with a handful of great saves from Neto, a crucial block from Marcos Senesi, and a Raheem Sterling free-kick thwarted by the underside of the crossbar. Despite this, Chelsea's forward line (which cost a combined fee of £165 million) must become more clinical. Failing to convert chances against sides like Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest, and even West Ham will damage Chelsea's league position even further when their fixtures turn at the end of October. Perhaps some blame can be shifted onto the injury of star signing Christopher Nkunku, but Maurizio Pochetinno will be under huge pressure if his side don't pick up more points in the near future.
Graph Via Opta Stats
Positive Signs for Bournemouth's Attack
Chelsea were not the only side who failed to find the back of the net. Bournemouth also achieved an XG of over one and managed 13 shots, with nine of those coming inside the box. However, this has been viewed more positively than Chelsea has. As a less ambitious club, a point against Chelsea is a positive result. Not only this but having multiple opportunities to seize the win bodes well for the future under Iraola (whose name the fans have begun singing religiously). Counter-attacking worked effectively for the Cherries, with long balls from both centre-halves and Neto reaching their wingers. Their options for fast wingers are plentiful, with Dango Ouatarra and Marcus Tavernier starting the game, and Justin Kluivert and Luis Sinisterra making impactful substitutions. This depth will certainly allow the seaside outfit to exploit tiring defenders in the latter stages of matches. Unfortunately, a final pass to find Dominic Solanke was not a result of these attacks (bar one pass that the striker terribly miscontrolled). If this can be improved on the training ground, goals will certainly be coming the way of Dean Court in the near future.
Defensive Excellence
Credit is due to both defences, in the first 0-0 draw of the 2023/24 Premier League season. Bournemouth kept their first clean sheet of the season and did so whilst still waiting on the return of the injured Tyler Adams. They have struggled without a defensive midfielder all season, but a combination of an impressive Lewis Cook performance and a very strong backline resulted in no goals conceded. Neto made some crucial saves, whilst Lloyd Kelly and Max Aarons won possession time after time. It's fair to say that all four players had their best performances of the season. If this week's defence can be paired with last week's attack, Bournemouth could become a strong force.
Gameweek Six Predictions
Chelsea face Aston Villa at home on Sunday. Villa now have two centre-backs injured, and play midweek in the Europa Conference League. Due to this, they may not be able to play their preferred back-five; Lucas Digne and Matty Cash will be allowed a less attacking role, and Villa may look more exposed at the back. This should give Chelsea even more chances; should they improve their finishing, the Blues may grab a result. We predict a draw.
Bournemouth also play on Sunday, away at Brighton and Hove Albion. Brighton are a side in form, with convincing wins against Newcastle and Manchester United in the last two weeks. We predict a Brighton win, but with them also playing Europa League football on Thursday, we predict a winning margin of no more than one goal.
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