Chelsea’s disastrous start to the Premier League season continued on Saturday as they were defeated 1-0 by EPL minnows Bournemouth in a match that heaps further pressure on Jose Mourinho.
Despite the relative chasms in class between these two, Chelsea failed to enjoy huge dominance over their opponents, particularly during a first half in which it was hard to identify which of the two were the reigning Premier League champions.
Familiar problems abounded for the Blues, who must be desperate for the chance to reinvest in their flagging squad during the window, particularly after Glenn Murray put them to the sword on Saturday.
Here are the Chelsea Player Ratings vs. Bournemouth, who’s to blame for the latest humiliation?
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Thibaut Courtois: 6.5/10
One of Chelsea’s better performers, but must have wished he’d stayed away. Was he at fault for the goal?
Branislav Ivanovic: 6.5/10
Looked muted for much of the match and gave away possession far too easily.
Kurt Zouma: 6/10
Undermined recent encouraging performances with an uncertain display in the heart of the defence, even if his pace proved valuable on occasion.
Gary Cahill: 7/10
His form didn’t drop like some of his teammates, and Cahill was unfortunate to be on the losing team.
Abdul Rahman Baba: 6.5/10
Still didn’t look the part, even if he has improved dramatically in defensive positions.
Nemanja Matic: 6.5/10
Was it really Matic or an imposter? He struggled to deal with Andrew Surman on occasion…how the mighty have fallen.
Cesc Fabregas: 6.5/10
Eden Hazard: 7/10
Flopped again as a centre-forward before the break, but improved as he came a little deeper in the second period.
Willian: 7.5/10
Was, as usual this term, one of Chelsea’s best players and offered up several chances for his profligate teammates.
Pedro: 7.5/10
Moments of excellence, but simply could not insert himself into the match.
Oscar: 6.3/10
Hauled off at the break following a miserable first half, his days at Chelsea may be numbered.
Substitutes
Diego Costa: 5/10
Booked.
Bertrand Traore: 6:10
An odd choice to replace Baba at left-back late on, with Azpilicueta left on the bench throughout.
Loic Remy: 6/10
Introduced for the final seven minutes, but didn’t do enough to suggest he can be an upgrade on Costa.