Chelsea suffered a bitter defeat against the newly promoted team.

The Blues suffered their eighth defeat of the season, losing 0-1 to Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.

Courtois' return still couldn't help Chelsea achieve better results. Photo: Reuters.

The only goal of the match was scored in the 82nd minute by Glenn Murray. From the scramble following a corner kick, the Bournemouth player headed the ball in while Thibaut Courtois wasn't even in goal.

After recent positive signs, The Blues once again stumbled against weaker teams. This was the eighth defeat for Jose Mourinho's side in 15 Premier League rounds. Chelsea are currently 14th, just three points above the relegation zone. At this point, the Portuguese manager may have to say goodbye to a place in next season's Champions League. Chelsea are now 14 points behind fourth-placed Manchester United.

If Roman Abramovich looks up at the top of the table, he'll see Leicester sitting comfortably thanks to the leadership of a former manager – Claudio Ranieri. The Russian billionaire, who sacked "The Tinkerman" to make way for "The Special One" in 2004, how does that feel now? Many fans will likely want to know, as Chelsea will face Leicester in the next round.

Before their trip to Stamford Bridge, Bournemouth were in the relegation zone with only 10 points. Thanks to the match against Chelsea, Bournemouth ended a nine-game winless streak, climbing to 17th place. A newly promoted team defeating the reigning champions on their home ground could indicate a decline in Chelsea's form compared to last season, or that Bournemouth had a brilliant day. It could also be both.

Chelsea played very poorly in the first half, going into the game without a true striker. Eden Hazard shouldered the ultimate responsibility in attack. The home team's attacking moves posed no threat to the goal of a team that had drawn or lost nine matches. The Stamford Bridge side were fortunate not to concede in the first half thanks to the brilliance of Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian goalkeeper, recently returned from injury, made more than three saves in the first 45 minutes.

Costa was brought on in the second half, making Chelsea more dangerous. Photo: Reuters.

With the game at a stalemate, Mourinho brought Costa on at the start of the second half. The Spanish striker helped make Chelsea's attack sharper. Numerous chances were created, and Bournemouth's defense showed signs of disarray.

Chelsea's best chance came in the second half, from a close-range header by Nemanja Matic, who was unmarked. From five meters out, the Serbian midfielder lacked the initiative and headed the ball wide.

Chelsea controlled the game well but unexpectedly conceded a goal in the final minutes. Although Mourinho later brought on Loic Remy to strengthen the attack, it was not enough to prevent the home team from losing.

This is the first time since 2001 that Chelsea have lost at home to a newly promoted team.

According to VNE