5 Important Things Spotted In Chelsea 2-0 Victory Against Bournemouth

Just before the World Cup break, Graham Potter’s side were on a five winless streak, but goals from Kai Havertz and Mason Mount changed the narrative

Chelsea sealed a 2:0 win at home against newly promoted Bournemouth side, to make a climb from 9th position to 8th with 24 points to keep their UCL dream spot chase alive

Chelsea manager flaunted a 4-2-3-1 position that saw Dennis Zakaria make his first EPL start. Jorginho was also in the midfield with Mason Mount in in his front.

Six other World Cup players in Pulisic, Havertz, Sterling, Silva and Koulibaly was equally featured. Cucurella, Arrizabalaga and James who made his first start since October after injury, were featured too.

Just at the 16th minute, a cross from Raheem Sterling was pumped into the back of Bournemouth’s goal by Kai Havertz which gave Chelsea the lead. Mason Mount’s fine shot at 24th minute sealed it for the Blues.

Now here are the 5 crucial things noticed from the game by Somtosport.com

1. Kai Havertz’s impressive Impressive Performance

Kai Havertz since making his big move to Chelsea from Bayer Leverkusen has been that Chelsea player that has been playing with the emotions of Chelsea fans. Just when you thought he’s disappointing, he puts up a wonderful performance: his 2021 UCL final goal is one of them.

With only four goals in all competitions so far this campaign, attracting criticism for a perceived lack of consistency and finishing in front of goal, the German man operated so well today as a ‘false 9’ in a 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1 setup – opening the scoring with a well-taken goal, before setting up Mason Mount on the edge of the box to make it 2-0.

Despite the coming of Aubameyang, Kai Havertz still gets the chance to show his worth, his performance today can go down as one of his bests as a Blue, he can only wish for more like that.

2. James Presence a major boost, his absence major setback

For the first time since October against Milan at San Siro, Reece James who was devastated to miss the World Cup due to knee injury returned to action and Graham Potter’s starting line up.

James has undeniably been one of the major influences of Chelsea success in recent times, scoring two and assisting two in all competitions. His important role in the team have seen the team shine with him but faulter without him

The 23 years old was sadly forced off the game After a fairly quiet evening in defence, Just after half-time, the player was spotted signaling for substitution for obviously what could be a wound on his previously injured knee.

Chelsea will only hope the defender’s injury is only a minor hitch – the 23-year-old integral to the side as the Blues look to compete across multiple competitions for the remainder of the season.

3. Cheers to successful future: The Reserve can confirm

With the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Hakim Ziyech, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and N’golo Kante unavailable, Chelsea selected a highly youthful bench including 19-year-olds Carney Chukwuemeka, Bashir Humphreys and Omari Hutchinson, and 18-year-old Lewis Hall – defender Humphreys making a senior matchday squad for the first time.

Hutchinson in particular is highly-rated in West London – putting up nine goals and assists in 12 U21 appearances so far this season, and gaining praise from teammates for a superb performance against Aston Villa in a friendly in the UAE during the World Cup break.

With the likes of Gabriel Slonina, Cesare Casadei and Charlie Webster also in the ranks, and 18-year-old midfield Andrey Santos reportedly soon to join, it is clear the new ownership under Todd Boehly are keen to develop a long-term sporting plan involving talented youth prospects across the pitch – both from the academy at Cobham, as well as players recruited globally.

4. Experienced defending resulted to another clean sheet

During their last five games, Chelsea did find it difficult to keep goals away, a foundation that was built by Thomas Tuchel and saw the team concede fewer goals: This game is a reminisce to what Tuchel did with the team’s defense.

Another clean sheet is also great for Kepa in goal – the Spaniard not conceding in four of his last seven league appearances, as he regains his form and confidence following a world-record transfer in summer of 2018.

The experience of Thiago Silva along side Kalidou Koulibaly was a major important part of tonight’s game. The Blues performance stalled towards the end of the game, but it was their defense that helped keep clean sheet in the game.

5. Dennis Zakaria’s composure and work rate in the midfield

Just his first EPL start and the third start in all competitions, Dennis Zakaria, on loan from Juventus was given the opportunity to make his introduction today amidst injury crisis and absence of Kante, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Matteo Kovacic

After his impressive UCL game where he helped Chelsea beat Dinamo Zagreb 2:1, the midfielder who was part of Switzerland’s World Cup run was undeniably composed In the midfield tonight.

Zakaria kept things ticking in midfield alongside Jorginho, playing 88 percent of his attempted passes before being replaced by Conor Gallagher with 10 minutes left on the clock.

He definitely got fans impressed after his interceptions, passes and attempted goals. If given the opportunity, he will sure do more.

Chelsea will return to action on Sunday 1st January when they take on Nottingham Forest in the Premier League away from home at the City Ground, Nottingham.