Eden Hazard’s late winner took Chelsea through to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, where they will face Tottenham over two legs.
Hazard, on as a substitute, broke the deadlock at Stamford Bridge with a fortuitous goal with six minutes remaining.
Bournemouth, who caused the Blues problems, can consider themselves unlucky.
After they crowded out Pedro the ball dropped to Hazard, whose shot deflected off Cherries defender Charlie Daniels, wrong-footing keeper Artur Boruc.
The goal – Hazard’s 10th of the season – took Chelsea a step closer to their first trophy under Maurizio Sarri.
But boss Sarri was clearly frustrated at times as the visitors caused his team problems, especially during a spell in the second half when Chelsea were struggling.
But Pedro and Hazard made a difference after coming on and Chelsea would have added a second goal had Boruc not produced saves to deny Cesar Azpilicueta and Olivier Giroud.
Chelsea: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Christensen (Luiz 82), Rudiger, Emerson, Fabregas, Kovacic, Barkley (Hazard 60), Loftus-Cheek, Willian (Pedro 56), Giroud.
Subs not used: Caballero, Zappacosta, Kante, Hudson-Odoi.
This post was last modified on 20/12/2018