Conor Gallagher

Chelsea Held to a Goalless Draw by Resilient Bournemouth


September 18, 2023 11:04 am

In a wet and windy encounter on the South Coast, Chelsea faced off against Bournemouth, with both sides vying for crucial points. Despite a flurry of opportunities and near misses, the match ultimately concluded in a goalless draw, leaving Chelsea to settle for a point.

Chelsea began the game sporting their new Eton Blue third kit and immediately threatened the Bournemouth defense. Mykhailo Mudryk and Nicolas Jackson combined effectively, creating a chance within the first three minutes. However, the resulting cross proved a tad challenging for Chelsea’s captain, Conor Gallagher, to direct on target. Follow your favourite Premier League team with attractive football betting odds from Nextbet. 

The Chelsea faithful had their hearts in their mouths as Mudryk and Jackson orchestrated a brilliant exchange of passes, culminating in a low shot by Jackson from the edge of the D. The effort rattled the outside of the post, leaving Bournemouth’s goalkeeper, Neto, grateful to see it evade the net.

Robert Sanchez, Chelsea’s shot-stopper, showcased his skills with a remarkable save that denied Dango Ouattara from close range, as the Cherries attempted to work a free-kick short.

The remainder of the first half unfolded as a more contentious affair, with clear-cut chances at a premium. The best opportunity fell to Chelsea’s skipper, Gallagher, who found himself with a chance 10 yards from goal. However, Neto exhibited lightning reflexes, diving swiftly to his right and using a strong right hand to thwart the Chelsea midfielder.

The second half witnessed an agonizing moment for Chelsea as Raheem Sterling’s free-kick struck the underside of the crossbar but only partially crossed the goal line. Levi Colwill reacted quickest, finding the net, but he was ruled offside.

Chelsea continued to press for the elusive goal, and Colwill came close to breaking the deadlock. Jackson’s side-footed effort was deftly saved by Neto. With 10 minutes remaining, Robert Sanchez made yet another crucial save, this time denying Dominic Solanke’s shot with an outstretched right leg.

Despite late efforts from Chelsea substitutes Cole Palmer and Ian Maatsen, the Blues found themselves thwarted by resolute Bournemouth defending. The match concluded with both teams earning a point each, marking Chelsea’s first away point of the season.

While Chelsea’s frustration was palpable due to missed opportunities and a lack of decisiveness in the final third, the Blues secured their second clean sheet of the season, maintaining a steady 14th place in the Premier League table. With upcoming fixtures against Aston Villa and Brighton, Chelsea remains focused on building momentum as the season progresses. Get the latest updates from the Premier League only on Nextbet Sports