Chaotic First Half Defines Chelsea And Bournemouth Thriller At Stamford Bridge
Four goals inside 27 minutes set the tone as Chelsea and AFC Bournemouth played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge, a result that summed up both sides’ promise and persistent flaws as the Premier League year came to a close.
Chelsea and AFC Bournemouth settled for a point each after a breathless 2-2 draw in their Premier League Round 19 clash at Stamford Bridge, a game dominated by a wild opening half hour that produced all four goals.
The visitors struck first inside six minutes, exposing a recurring weakness in Chelsea’s defence. A long throw into the box caused chaos, David Brooks reacting quickest after his initial effort was saved to force the ball over the line and give Bournemouth an early lead.
Chelsea responded with urgency and were handed a route back into the contest when VAR ruled Antoine Semenyo had fouled Estevao in the area. Cole Palmer stepped up and calmly dispatched the penalty in the 15th minute, restoring parity and briefly swinging momentum back towards the hosts.
Just eight minutes later, Stamford Bridge was on its feet again. Enzo Fernandez marked his 100th Premier League appearance in style, collecting a cutback from Alejandro Garnacho and rifling a superb right footed strike into the top corner to put Chelsea ahead.
The lead did not last long. Bournemouth continued to target Chelsea with long throws, and the tactic paid off again in the 27th minute. Another delivery was not properly cleared, allowing Justin Kluivert to tap in at the back post and level the score at 2-2 in a remarkable first half.
After such a frantic opening, the second half inevitably settled into a more measured contest. Chelsea saw more of the ball and looked most dangerous through the lively Estevao, who repeatedly drove at the Bournemouth back line and forced saves and corners. Fernandez and Palmer also had sights of goal, but the cutting edge was missing.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, remained a threat on the break and nearly snatched a dramatic winner in stoppage time. A flowing move ended with substitute Enes Unal volleying over from close range, a huge let off for the Blues in the final moments.
The underlying numbers reflected how open the contest was, with Bournemouth edging the expected goals despite Chelsea’s sustained pressure after the break. When the final whistle sounded, both sides were left with mixed feelings after an absorbing encounter.
The draw leaves Chelsea fifth in the table on 30 points, still searching for consistency as they prepare for a daunting trip to Manchester City next. Bournemouth, meanwhile, move a step further clear of the relegation places and will take confidence from a disciplined away performance ahead of their next test at home to Arsenal.
