Sports

Player Ratings As Chelsea End Six-Match Winless Run with 3-1 Victory over Bournemouth

Published

2 years ago

May 6, 2023

Player Ratings As Chelsea End Six-Match Winless Run with 3-1 Victory over Bournemouth

Chelsea secured a vital 3-1 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday, ending their six-match winless run and securing safety from relegation this season.

The Blues made five changes to the starting XI following their defeat to Arsenal, and it paid off as Conor Gallagher gave them the lead against the run of play in the ninth minute.

Bournemouth responded well, and their attacking play on the left flank was a constant source of danger for Chelsea, with left-back Matias Vina scoring a stunning equalizer midway through the first half.

However, the hosts retreated deep into their own half after the break, allowing Chelsea to dominate possession and wait for their chances on the break.

The Blues piled on the pressure, and it finally paid off in the 82nd minute when Hakim Ziyech’s cross was converted by Benoit Badiashile for his first goal for the club.

With Bournemouth’s resolve broken, Raheem Sterling set up Joao Felix for the third goal, sealing a crucial victory for Frank Lampard’s side.

Despite the win, Lampard was critical of the quick turnaround from the Arsenal defeat, saying there was not enough time to deal with the “more fundamental issues” in the squad.

However, he will be pleased with the performance of his team, especially the contributions of Gallagher and Ziyech off the bench.

Gallagher was a bright spark in midfield, scoring the opener with a well-placed header and constantly pushing forward to create chances.

Ziyech’s introduction in the second half added some much-needed creativity to Chelsea’s attack, and his pinpoint cross led to Badiashile’s goal.

The defence, which has been shaky in recent games, also held up well, limiting Bournemouth’s chances and dealing with their attacking threat on the left flank.

Kepa Arrizabalaga made some important saves to keep Chelsea in the game, while Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen were solid in central defence.

Chelsea player ratings (4-3-3)

GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga – 4/10 – Absolutely no chance of stopping Vina’s sumptuous equaliser.

RB: Trevoh Chalobah – 4/10 – Left with twisted blood by Bournemouth’s dizzying rotations down his flank. Much more sure of himself when carrying the ball forward.

CB: Thiago Silva – 4/10 – The old sage was fortunate to get away with a late tackle on Solanke, sheepishly awaiting the referee’s whistle which never came.

CB: Benoit Badiashile – 7/10 – Went about his defensive business without much fuss and made a decisive intervention in the opposition box.

LB: Ben Chilwell – 5/10 – Locked in an engaging jab-jab, thrust-thrust battle with Ouattara.

CM: N’Golo Kante – 5/10 – Never fully seemed to have the ball under his control but was not forced into the awkwardly high role he has fulfilled in recent weeks which completely takes him out of midfield.

CM: Enzo Fernandez – 6/10 – Struggled to escape the long shadow cast by Billing in the first half but grew into the contest.

CM: Conor Gallagher – 6/10 – Brought energy to Chelsea’s midfield and another body in the box.

RW: Noni Madueke – 7/10 – A constant spoke in the opposition’s wheel without neglecting his defensive responsibilities.

ST: Kai Havertz – 4/10 – Faded to the peripheries of the contest.

LW: Mykhaylo Mudryk – 3/10 – Booked within the opening quarter-hour for diving, Mudryk didn’t see enough of the ball to terrorise Smith.

Substitutes

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (63′ for Kante) – 5/10

Raheem Sterling (63′ for Mudryk) – 5/10

Cezar Azpilicueta (75′ for Chilwell) – N/A

Hakim Ziyech (76′ for Madueke) – 6/10 – Delivered a typically vicious in-swinging delivering which Badashile converted.

Joao Felix (84′ for Havertz) – N/A

Manager

Frank Lampard – 6/10 – Without being able to offer a consistent threat in open play, Lampard got his first win through a bit of luck and a dead ball.

It was a much-needed win for Lampard and Chelsea who have been struggling for form in recent weeks. The victory not only secures their Premier League status for next season but also gives them a boost in confidence ahead of their upcoming fixtures.

With the likes of Gallagher and Ziyech making an impact off the bench, Lampard will be hoping that his side can build on this performance and finish the season on a high.

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