LATEST NEWS: Nkunku’s influence and Sancho’s assist shine while two others underperform – Chelsea player ratings against Bournemouth.
Chelsea returned to Premier League action with a 1-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday evening. After the first international break of the 2024/25 season, manager Enzo Maresca made two changes to the lineup, bringing in Axel Disasi and Renato Veiga to replace Malo Gusto and Enzo Fernandez.
New loan signing Jadon Sancho started on the bench. Bournemouth began the game strongly, with Marcus Tavernier hitting the crossbar with a powerful shot from outside the box, followed by more chances from Tavernier and Justin Kluivert, which forced Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez into making low saves.
Chelsea had a few opportunities of their own, including a shot by Nicolas Jackson at the near post that was saved by Bournemouth’s Mark Travers. Just before halftime, Sanchez fouled Evanilson in the box, giving Bournemouth a penalty. However, Sanchez redeemed himself with an excellent save, keeping the score level.
Chelsea brought on Sancho at halftime, and the team began creating more chances, with Jackson coming close a couple of times. The breakthrough finally came late in the match when substitute Christopher Nkunku scored after receiving a clever pass from Sancho, turning skillfully and calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner.
Player Ratings
Robert Sanchez
Made key saves throughout the match, including denying Tavernier early on and producing an excellent stop to deny Kluivert. He gave away a penalty but redeemed himself with a brilliant save. Continued to make important saves in the second half. Rating: 9
Axel Disasi
Struggled at right-back, missing key touches early on and losing track of Tavernier, leading to a save from Sanchez. His distribution was poor, and he was replaced after 61 minutes. Rating: 5
Wesley Fofana
Showed some good attacking runs and nimble footwork but made a poor backpass that resulted in the penalty incident. Moved to right-back after Tosin Adarabioyo came on. Rating: 6
Levi Colwill
Had a solid game at center-back, making key blocks, including a late one to deny Semenyo. Set up a good chance for Jackson after a forward run. Rating: 7
Marc Cucurella
Booked for a late challenge in the first half but played well after that. Linked up well with Sancho and got into strong attacking positions. Rating: 6
Renato Veiga
Had a nervy start, including a miskick that led to Tavernier hitting the bar, but improved as the game went on. Made a strong run into the box later in the match. Rating: 7
Moises Caicedo
Performed well as captain, controlling the midfield and setting Jackson up with a brilliant pass early in the second half. Rating: 7
Noni Madueke
Showed promise with a few good attacking runs, particularly in the first half, but his influence waned after the break. Substituted on the hour mark. Rating: 6
Cole Palmer
Worked hard to create chances but found it difficult to break down Bournemouth’s defense. Rating: 6
Pedro Neto
Struggled to get involved and was replaced at halftime after a quiet first half. Rating: 5
Nicolas Jackson
Had a couple of chances but was offside for his first shot and later had a good effort saved. His decision-making was questioned when he didn’t pass to Palmer in a good position. Rating: 5
Substitutes
Jadon Sancho (Pedro Neto, 46′)
Made an immediate impact after coming on, linking up with Cucurella and Jackson. His key contribution came in the assist for Nkunku’s winning goal. A bright debut. Rating: 7
Tosin Adarabioyo (Axel Disasi, 61′)
Slotted into center-back, allowing Fofana to shift to right-back. Rating: 5
Joao Felix (Noni Madueke, 61′)
Played centrally after coming on but didn’t manage to influence the game significantly before Nkunku’s goal. Rating: 5
Christopher Nkunku (Nicolas Jackson, 79′)
Made the most of his brief time on the pitch, scoring the winning goal with a brilliant turn and calm finish after receiving Sancho’s pass. Rating: 7