Chelsea and Bournemouth shared a desperate draw at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea and Bournemouth drew 2-2 at Stamford Bridge. This match was built on ambition, uncertainty and one player who refused to give up at this point. Antoine Semenyo, amid strong expectations of a £65 million move to Manchester City, played a crucial role for Bournemouth, scoring two goals and conceding a penalty in a game that was never completed.
Advertising
Bournemouth struck first in the sixth minute when Semenyo's long throw caused havoc and David Brooks struck home from close range. Chelsea responded quickly. Semeño brought down Estevao Willian in the box and after a VAR review, referee Sam Barrott pointed to the spot. Cole Palmer converted comfortably before Enzo Fernandez fired a superb strike into the top corner to make it 2-1 after 23 minutes.
Semenyo leads Bournemouth's response
The advantage lasted only four minutes. Once again, Semenyo's long-range shot proved decisive: Justin Kluivert reacted faster than anyone and hit the target. Bournemouth posed a real threat after that and enjoyed the better of the first half, registering 14 tries and testing Robert Sanchez on numerous occasions. Even though Chelsea had the ball, Bournemouth's directness unsettled them.
At half-time, Enzo Maresca introduced Reece James and Pedro Neto, seeking control and urgency. Chelsea went up, but Bournemouth remained dangerous on the break. VAR rejected handball appeals against Malo Gusto, while Djordje Petrovic denied Estevao with a long-range penalty save.
Advertising
Chelsea's disappointment deepens
Chelsea had a chance to win. Fernandez later broke free from the box for the highlight of the second half. Joao Pedro replaced Palmer to loud disappointment in the stands, reflecting the growing unease at Stamford Bridge. In stoppage time, Bournemouth almost stole the ball when Enes Unal volleyed home from 12 yards from Amine Adli's cross.
The draw leaves Chelsea with just one win from seven league games and a worrying habit of losing leads, having now dropped 15 points from winning positions. December has been a tiring month and confidence appears fragile ahead of a demanding trip to Manchester City without the suspended Moises Caicedo.
Bournemouth's Faith and Commitment
For Bournemouth it was an encouraging performance despite extending their winless run to 10. Semenyo embodied their spirit with a combination of physical strength, creativity and defensive discipline. Asked if this was his last game, Andoni Iraola replied: “It's not his last game. I can't say 100 percent, but I think he will play, yes.”
Advertising
“He needs to recover because in three days we play Arsenal at home, against the best players in the league, yes, he will be an important player for us.”
Chelsea and Bournemouth continue to go from strength to strength, but on a chaotic day it was Semeno who made the biggest impression.
