Chelsea Finally Wins A Premier League Game For The First Time Since Mid-October.

Following a devastating three straight defeats before the 2022 World Cup break in Qatar, Chelsea returns to action in the Premier League as they defeat Bournemouth 2-0 at Stamford Bridge tonight. 

They finally win a Premier League game for the first time since mid-October. Their last win was a 2-0 victory away to Aston Villa on October 16.

The Blues have not lost four Premier League games in row since 1998 and Graham Potter knew they needed to hit the ground running, boosted by the return of Reece James from injury.

Kai Havertz finished off a good move to give them the lead in the 16th minute, then Mason Mount scored a goal of unobtrusive class to make extend the lead in the 24th minute. 

Bournemouth were better in the second half without ever really threatening to make a game of it. The Cherries fought hard to comeback, but they were outplayed by the determined Chelsea team.

The only downside for Chelsea was another injury to Reece James, who went off in tears seven minute before the hour mark.

James who can't catch a break at the moment, made his return to the starting XI after he suffered a serious knee injury against AC Milan in the Champions League on October 11, which subsequently kept him out of the World Cup.

 

The international break afforded the 23-year-old time to recover and return to full fitness ahead of the Premier League's resumption, but that was short-lived as he was replaced by Cesar Azpilicueta. 

The win moves Chelsea to eighth, just behind Brighton on goal difference. They’re six points behind fourth-placed team Spurs with a game in hand.

Chelsea’s next game is away to Nottm Forest on New Year’s Day; then they play Man City twice in the league and FA Cup. Bournemouth are at home to Crystal Palace on New Year’s Eve; then they go to Old Trafford.