Chelsea took the three points on offer at the Vitality Stadium, against Bournemouth, courtesy of a second-half goal from Eden Hazard.
But, it was one of those performances whereby Chelsea dominated the game, creating numerous chances but, in the end, had to defend resolutely to prevent Bournemouth getting a late equaliser for a share of the spoils.
Antonio Conte made one change to the eleven that had started the last Premier League fixture, against Watford, dropping Gary Cahill to the bench and starting with Antonio Rudiger, in Cahill`s absence the captains` armband was worn by Cesar Azpilicueta. Was Cahill dropped due to recent poor form or simply being rested for the fixture away to Roma, in the Champions League.
After weathering the initial Bournemouth pressure, Chelsea took control of the game, pushing Bournemouth back and creating chances. Hazard and Pedro were particularly lively in trying to create clear-cut chances for Alvaro Morata.
Indeed, it was to be the Spanish striker that was to miss the best chance of the half when, gifted the opportunity to score he contrived to place his effort wide.
Emerging all-square for the second-half Chelsea continued to dominate and were rewarded when, in the fifty-first minute Hazard squeezed the ball past Asmir Begovic at his near post, to give Chelsea the lead.
Still dominating, Chelsea went looking for the second goal that would kill off the game but as had been the case in the first-half, it was a case of missed chances with Cesc Fabregas wasting a decent opportunity almost at the death.
A late spell of Bournemouth pressure ensured the Chelsea faithful had a few anxious minutes but the defence, marshalled superbly by Azpilicueta held firm and Chelsea not only had the three points but a rare, in recent times, a clean-sheet.
Next up is a Champions League fixture away to Roma.
Share this article
