Chelsea’s troubled season took another twist as they were beaten at home by Bournemouth. Here’s how we rated the Blues players in their 1-0 defeat.
Thibaut Courtois: 7
Showed few signs of rustiness in his first outing since August after injury, making impressive first-half saves to deny Junior Stanislas and Josh King. Could have done better for Bournemouth’s goal though.
Branislav Ivanovic: 6
Again given the captain’s armband in the continued absence of John Terry, the Serb looked more assured than of late and we saw some forward marauding of old. But a wayward cross and wild shot at goal late on summed up his still-fragile confidence.
Kurt Zouma: 7
Always wholehearted, strong in the tackle and commanding in the air, if still learning the ropes.
Gary Cahill: 6
Mostly comfortable, apart from during the opening 20 minutes when the Cherries poured forward in numbers and at the end when he was left floundering by Harry Arter.
Baba Rahman: 6
Kept Matt Ritchie fairly quiet during the visitors’ best first-half moments, but failed to close down Steve Cook for the goal.
Nemanja Matic: 6
A typically energetic display from the man in the protective mask. But he looked ponderous as the game wore on and Bournemouth’s confidence grew.
Cesc Fabregas: 5
The magical moments of last year still elude him. Chelsea looked more dangerous when he was bypassed and attacks had more pace.
Willian: 7
Brimming with confidence and artistry but Bournemouth’s good discipline restricted his dead-ball prowess and he could not inspire a breakthrough.
Oscar: 5
Had one good shot on the turn in the first half, but was not as influential as Jose Mourinho will have demanded and made way for Diego Costa at half time.
Pedro: 6
Busy and dynamic in patches but faded as the game went on. Came close to opening the score with a low curling effort that Artur Boruc palmed away.
Eden Hazard: 7
Looked the man most likely to create a goal when in the central attacking role, but was less of a presence in the second half when re-stationed to the left flank. Came close to ending his goal drought with two good first-half efforts.
Diego Costa: 5
Booked just 13 minutes after coming on and although he was at the centre of the action in the second half, Bournemouth were able to handle him.
This post was last modified on 08/12/2015