Chelsea FC 0-1 AFC Bournemouth (December 14th 2019)

'84 Gosling

An audacious overhead kick gave the Cherries two wins over the Blues in 2019.

Bournemouth beat Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on the very first Premier League meeting between the two clubs back in December 2015.

The win left an indelible imprint on the career of Jose Mourinho. A dramatic late goal from Glenn Murray meant this was the first time the Special One had been beaten at home to a newly-promoted side.

It was also the Blues eighth league defeat of the season, who saw any realistic hope of defending the title begin to evaporate.

Jorginho finds his feet in a close game. Credit: Premierleague.com

The First Half

Kepa was tested early when Ryan Fraser fizzed in a shot from 12 yards out after a smart exchange on the edge of the box.

In what was an attritional first 45 minutes, Chelsea's best chances fell to midfielder Mason Mount, who was found by Jorginho from 30 yards out but had his shot blocked from close range by the Cherries goalkeeper Aaron Stockdale.

Today is the best we fought, the best we competed, the most desire I've seen from the group - Eddie Howe

Tammy Abraham, who was in contention for the Premier League Golden Boot going into Christmas, missed the target from a similar position after a low, first-time cross from Cesar Azpilicueta.

Willian ghosted past Fraser to get off a high cross which was met by Christian Pulisic - the American heading the ball back towards goal but finding nobody.

Abraham would miss again before the break, heading over before the half-time whistle.

Tammy Abraham rued his misses as the Cherries took all three points. Credit: Premierleague.com

The Second Half

Kurt Zouma made an exceptional tackle to deny the Norwegian Josh King who looked clean through on goal.

Just after the hour Callum Hudson-Odoi, who replaced Willian in the 65th minute, crossed from the right-hand side in a move that eventually saw Emerson head the ball right at Aaron Ramsdale from six yards.

Michy Batshuayi would replace Jorginho as Frank Lampard went in search of a last-minute winner, but it would be Eddie Howe who left celebrating all three points.

If I was a fan watching our performance, I'd be saying "Too slow, too slow" - Frank Lampard

On 84 minutes Chelsea failed to clear their lines from a Bournemouth corner and with the ball played quickly back in, Dan Gosling peeled away from Kurt Zouma and with his back to goal he chested it down and flicked it over Kepa with a smart overhead finish.

VAR confirmed Gosling was onside.

Chelsea had a late chance to draw level with a Kovacic volley from the edge of the area which bounced off the goalkeeper as he went down unsighted.

Cesar Azpilicueta was at full stretch but couldn't prevent Bournemouth from taking the lead. Credit: Premierleague.com

Opinion

On both occasions Bournemouth were the better side, showing more purpose, character and determination from start to finish.

Lampard’s side did create chances in this seasons earlier encounter - Goalkeeper Aaron Stockdale was awarded Man of the Match.

Hard work and discipline from the opposition have undone Chelsea time and time again, with blind faith and sheer belief winning out over clearly superior quality and ability.

Wins boost morale, and it's much easier to feel comfortable in fourth than it is just two points above the relegation zone.

For this weekend’s clash, Chelsea will need an injection of pace, several shots of creativity  and a ridiculously impressive work-rate if they are to prevent being overturned home and away this season by the Cherries.

Chelsea fans will be hoping for fireworks in Bournemouth this weekend. Credit: Premierleague.com

Matchday LIVE!

Two months on, Chelsea travel to the Vitality Stadium hoping to avoid a repeat of the 4-0 thrashing at the start of 2019.

Late goals in this fixture are about as predictable as a seagull nicking your chips on Bournemouth pier.

And while Eddie Howe's men have been relegation favourites for most of the season, their recent good form and scoring rate from set pieces will cause problems for Chelsea.

Frank Lampard's men are reeling from their puzzling 3-0 home defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League earlier in the week and will want to cement their league position, knowing they have to pull off the most unlikely of all wins in Munich in March.

(After the Champions League loss) I'll keep working and we all need to - Frank Lampard

Oddschecker have Chelsea as the favourites at 4/5, with the draw at 29/10 and Bournemouth at 19/5*.

Much to think about for Chelsea boss Frank Lampard. Credit: Getty Images/TalkSPORT

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Who do you think will win the game and why?

* Odds correct as of 27/02

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