Jadon Sancho set up Christopher Nkunku for Chelsea’s winner (Image: Getty)
Chelsea earned a late 1-0 win over Bournemouth courtesy of substitute Christopher Nkunku, with Jadon Sancho claiming the assist on a scintillating debut. Robert Sanchez saving Evanilson’s penalty will make the result even sweeter for manager Enzo Maresca, who also saw the Cherries graze the outside of the post through Ryan Christie in the second half.
As the Blues head back to London with three slightly fortuitous points secured, Express Sport takes you through four key talking points from the Vitality Stadium…
Jadon Sancho sends message
Coming on for his debut at half-time for a floundering Pedro Neto, the stage was set for Sancho to make an impact, and he didn’t disappoint. Within three minutes of being stationed on the left flank, the Manchester United loanee found Marc Cucurella on the overlap which created a brilliant chance to score.
Soon afterwards, Sancho received the ball, drove at two defenders and laid it off at the last second to Nicolas Jackson, who fired narrowly over. His cameo was full of bright moments, the likes of which he would have hoped to show Chelsea fans after a hugely disappointing spell at Old Trafford, and he got what he deserved four minutes from time.
Once again driving inwards from the left, Sancho fired a low pass into the feet of Nkunku, who brilliantly shrugged off the Bournemouth defence before finding the far corner.
Sancho was named man of the match for his 45-minute display.
Robert Sanchez sprung to his left to save Evanilson’s penalty (Image: Getty)
Palmer plays dirty trick
Chelsea backs were against the wall when, shortly before half-time, a shocking pass from Wesley Fofana led to Sanchez clattering Evanilson inside the area. The Bournemouth striker stepped up to take the spot-kick himself, and he not only had to contend with the pressure of living up to his £40million billing, but also Cole Palmer talking directly into his ear. The mind games worked wonders, as Evanilson’s mediocre penalty was palmed away by Sanchez.
Two players have blaring row
Maresca will be trying to keep his youthful troops bound together during a testing start to his managerial reign. But the Italian’s daring brand of football does, at times, put players in stressful situations. It proved too much for Sanchez and Moises Caicedo midway through the first half when Bournemouth nearly caught them out with a high press, and the pair exchanged angry words with one another before cracking on with the game.
Problem area persists
Maresca claims to have been working on Chelsea’s defensive structure during the international break. Though a clean sheet and a win at the Vitality Stadium suggests he is on the right path, the Blues were anything but convincing at the back.
Axel Disasi did not look comfortable filling in for Malo Gusto and Reece James on the right, Fofana was wayward in the middle, Sanchez came up with a number of top-level saves, and Bournemouth were able to cause them problems throughout. Maresca’s attacking credentials are well-founded but he still has work to do ahead of games against sharper shooters than the Cherries.
New cards record
It wasn’t an especially feisty game on the south coast but referee Anthony Taylor spent virtually all of it reaching into his pocket. With 14 yellow cards in total – six for Bournemouth and eight for Chelsea – it has set a new benchmark for cautions in a Premier League contest.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1948665/jadon-sancho-sends-message-chelsea