Chelsea 2-0 Bournemouth LIVE! Premier League match stream, latest score and goal updates today
After three straight defeats before the World Cup, Chelsea bid to kickstart a Premier League revival when they return to action against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge today. The Blues are nine points adrift of the top four as things stand and need to make up that deficit in the race for Champions League qualification.
Chelsea, who are down in ninth, have not lost four Premier League games in row since 1998 and Graham Potter knows they need to hit the ground running when their season resumes following the mid-season break, boosted by the return of Reece James from injury. He starts tonight.
Potter insists he is “more confident” of changing Chelsea’s fortunes after talks with co-owner Behdad Eghbali in California during the World Cup and he is targeting a return to winning ways against Bournemouth, who appointed Gary O’Neil as their head coach on a permanent basis earlier this month and sit three points above the relegation zone in 14th. Follow Chelsea vs Bournemouth live below, with expert analysis from Nick Purewal at the Bridge!
Live updates
55 mins: Normal service has quickly been resumed for Chelsea in this second half, with two chances for Zakaria after more great build-up play from Sterling.
Koulibaly is felled by Billing on the left flank but Bournemouth survive the resulting free-kick into the box.
“Reece James, he’s one of our own” is the chant from around the ground as the England defender thankfully gets up and walks off under his own power.
We’ll bring you any updates on that setback as we get them, but thankfully it didn’t end up looking as serious as it appeared at first.
But he did point to the knee before putting his hand over his face, so it’s still a real concern. Azpilicueta replaces him.
51 mins: Good work initially from Cucurella but a poor final ball means Chelsea’s latest attack is ended.
A massive concern now for the hosts and a hush around Stamford Bridge as Reece James pulls up and then goes down in pain, with his hands covering his face.
This is not looking good.
49 mins: Bournemouth’s best moments in that first half came when they pressed high up the pitch, which is what the likes of Moore and Solanke are trying to do now.
They need to be so careful though, as too much space in behind will surely lead to the third goal that ends this game completely as a contest.
48 mins: More pressure building at the start of this second half from Chelsea, with Sterling’s deflected cross causing panic in the Bournemouth ranks.
They sustain the momentum and James’ right-wing cross is then turned away by Kelly at the front post.
The second half is off and running.
Jack Stacey the man to make way for Anthony.
Can Bournemouth make a fight of this, or will Chelsea cruise to a much-needed win?
The players are back out for the second half at Stamford Bridge.
Winger Jaidon Anthony is coming on for Bournemouth.
A great angle of what was a super strike from Mason Mount…
Exactly what the doctor ordered for Chelsea and Graham Potter.
The hosts are dominant and cruising, scoring two goals in the first half of a Premier League game for the first time all season courtesy of Kai Havertz and Mason Mount.
Chelsea are playing with verve and tempo, moving the ball very nicely and boasting threats all over the park, particularly down the right.
James, Sterling, Zakaria, Mount and Havertz all influential, while Pulisic has been bright also.
Bournemouth have had their moments, but they are way too passive and lucky to be only 2-0 down.
They need to up the physicality and get closer to Chelsea, who have had it all their own way up until now.
Half-time
Chelsea 2-0 Bournemouth
