- Chelsea and Bournemouth drew 2-2 in a Round 21 Premier League clash
- Reece James scored a stoppage-time free-kick to salvage a point for Chelsea
- Chelsea’s winless streak in the league extended to five matches under Enzo Maresca
- Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert scored second-half goals, putting them ahead after Cole Palmer’s opener
- Enzo Maresca praised James’ free-kick but expressed “a bit of shame” over Chelsea’s overall performance
Key Takeaways:
Chelsea and Bournemouth delivered an action-packed 2-2 draw in their Premier League Round 21 encounter. Reece James rescued a point for Chelsea with a perfectly executed free-kick in stoppage time, extending the Blues’ winless run to five games.
Chelsea started strongly, taking the lead in the 13th minute through Cole Palmer, who capitalized on Bournemouth’s defensive lapse. Despite dominating the first half and creating several chances, the Blues failed to extend their advantage.
One of our own. ©️#CFC | #CHEBOU pic.twitter.com/4WP30c8ZdU
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 14, 2025
Bournemouth came alive in the second half. Justin Kluivert equalized from the penalty spot shortly after the break, and Antoine Semenyo struck in the 68th minute to put the visitors ahead. Controversy arose in the 62nd minute when Bournemouth’s David Brooks escaped punishment after striking Marc Cucurella in the face, a decision that infuriated Chelsea players and fans alike.
Chelsea’s relentless pressure in the closing stages culminated in Reece James’ expertly taken free-kick in stoppage time, ensuring a share of the points. However, manager Enzo Maresca admitted post-match that while he was pleased with James’ goal, he felt “a bit of shame” over the team’s overall performance, noting their failure to convert numerous chances.
The result leaves Chelsea in fourth place with 37 points, as their struggle for consistency continues. The Cherries remain in 7th position in the Premier League standings with 34 points.