Chelsea earned their first win under interim manager Frank Lampard with a 3-1 win against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. The Blues have won a game for the first time since March, and it was in convincing fashion away from home.
Conor Gallagher opened the scoring for the Blues, heading in a cross from N’Golo Kante to score his third of the season. And in the process, becoming their joint-top scorer in the Premier League. Their lead wouldn’t last very long, as Matias Vina launched an absolute stunner which left Kepa Arrizabalaga no chance to stop the equaliser.
Chelsea finally win under Frank Lampard at Bournemouth
The second half saw the introduction of Hakim Ziyech and Raheem Sterling from the bench, both of whom assisted. Ziyech found the returning Benoit Badiashile from a set piece to make it 2-1, and provided a very bright spark on the right-wing. Noni Madueke, whom he replaced, also provided a remarkable performance in his second consecutive start.
Joao Felix came off the bench to score his third goal since joining the club in January, a well-coordinated effort with Sterling. And that effectively sealed all three points for the visitors at a time when a win was essential.
The performances of Madueke, Ziyech, Badiashile and Mudryk were quite impressive, and were essential in getting the win. Although Ziyech has been linked with an exit for a year now, he could provide a similar impact as Madueke on the right.
The cohesiveness is still lacking among Chelsea players, but it was an improvement from what we have seen in previous weeks. Their next game will be against Nottingham Forest before a massive three games against both Manchester clubs and Newcastle United to end the season.
In spite of their win against Bournemouth, their game against Forest could be their last to earn any points until the end of the season.
