A spectacular goal from Moises Caicedo helped Chelsea secure European qualification with a 2-1 win over Bournemouth.
The Blues had been in stunning form in recent weeks, picking up four consecutive Premier League wins for the first time since October 2022, and knew that victory would secure at least a top-six finish.
Caicedo’s wonderful goal from the halfway line set Chelsea on their way, before Raheem Sterling doubled the advantage for Mauricio Pochettino’s side just after the half-time interval. An own goal
An own goal from Benoit Badiashile offered Bournemouth a lifeline, but Chelsea held on at Stamford Bridge to finish their season in style.
How the game unfolded
Chelsea wasted no time in taking the game to Bournemouth, as Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer both had shots on Neto’s goal.
The Blues continued in the ascendancy and didn’t have to wait long before breaking the deadlock, albeit in an unusual circumstances. Neto came charging out of his goal to stifle Chelsea’s threat in behind, but his scuffed clearance only made it as far as Caicedo.
The Ecuadorian advanced into Bournemouth’s half and fired a sensational looped effort home from all of 50 yards – the first goal scored from that distance since Wayne Rooney netted for Everton against West Ham United in November 2017.
Antoine Semenyo and Marc Cucurella tussled soon after, with both players booked after the former threw the Spaniard to the ground, and Bournemouth then had an effort on goal through Justin Kluivert.
Just after half-time, Chelsea doubled their lead through Sterling, who jinked his way to the byline before somehow sliding the ball through Neto’s legs.
Rather than fold, Andoni Iraola’s side got back into the game immediately as Benoit Badiashile deflected Enes Unal’s effort past a helpless Djordje Petrovic.
The game drifted thereafter, though Dominic Solanke did waste a great chance for the visitors after rocketing an effort over Petrovic’s crossbar.
GK: Djordje Petrovic – 6/10 – Didn’t have much to do between the sticks but his ground passing was excellent.
RB: Trevoh Chalobah – 5/10 – Made some uncharacteristic mistakes as Chelsea struggled to maintain an efficient high line.
CB: Thiago Silva – 6/10 – Received plenty of adulation from Chelsea’s supporters, and marked the occasion by relentlessly arguing with Anthony Taylor.
CB: Benoit Badiashile – 3/10 – Seemed to be lacking confidence alongside his more senior partner….
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