Chelsea tasted bitter fruit against newly promoted team

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

Courtois' return still could not help Chelsea get better results. Photo: Reuters.

The only goal of the match was scored in the 82nd minute by Glenn Murray. From a chaotic situation after a corner kick, the Bournemouth player rushed in to head the ball when Thibaut Courtois was not even standing in the goal.

The Blues, after recent positive signs, once again slipped up against weak and average teams. This was the eighth defeat for Jose Mourinho's team after 15 rounds in the Premier League. Chelsea is currently ranked 14th, only three points above the relegation zone. At this point, the Portuguese coach may have to say goodbye to a place in the Champions League next season. Chelsea is currently 14 points behind fourth-placed Man Utd.

If Roman Abramovich were to look up at the top of the table, he would see Leicester sitting comfortably under the guidance of an old friend - Claudio Ranieri. How does the Russian billionaire who fired "The Welder" to make way for "The Special One" in 2004 feel now? Many fans would probably want to know that when Chelsea face Leicester in the next round.

Before visiting Stamford Bridge, Bournemouth were in the relegation zone with just 10 points. "Thanks" to meeting Chelsea, Bournemouth broke a streak of nine consecutive matches without knowing the taste of victory, climbing to 17th place. A newly promoted team defeated the defending champions right on the opponent's field. That can be inferred from how Chelsea have declined compared to last season or Bournemouth are having a day of sublimation. And maybe both.

Chelsea played very poorly in the first half, playing without a real striker. Eden Hazard took the highest responsibility in attack. The home team's attacks did not pose any danger to the goal of a team that has drawn and lost all nine matches. The Stamford Bridge team was lucky not to concede a goal in the first half thanks to the excellence of Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian goalkeeper, who had just returned from injury, made more than three saves in the first 45 minutes.

Costa was brought on in the second half to make Chelsea more dangerous. Photo: Reuters.

In the deadlock, Mourinho brought on Costa at the start of the second half. The Spanish striker helped Chelsea's attack become sharper. Chances kept coming and Bournemouth's defense showed signs of disarray.

Chelsea's best chance came in the second half, from an unmarked close-range header from Nemanja Matic. From five metres away, the Serbian midfielder failed to take the initiative and headed wide.

Chelsea controlled the game well but unexpectedly conceded a goal in the final minutes. Although Mourinho later brought in Loic Remy to strengthen the attack, he still could not help the home team escape defeat.

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

According to VNE