5 Things Learned: Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea | Premier League

Chelsea were held to a goalless draw by Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Blues had to share the points in their first Premier League game back after the international break.

In the first half, it was the west Londoners who were in charge, they crafted good opportunities, Nicolas Jackson hit the woodwork and Conor Gallagher had a shot well saved.

There was nothing to separate the two teams heading into the interval despite Chelsea’s clear cut chances.

As things got underway in the second half, it was once again the Blues who looked the more likely to find the advantage, a Raheem Sterling free-kick almost crossed the line and was then diverted in by Levi Colwill, but VAR disallowed the goal.

With the clock ticking down, the game opened up, and Chelsea have Robert Sanchez to thank for making some excellent saves and getting them to hold onto a point.

Here are five things Absolute Chelsea learned from Sunday’s draw.

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1) Conor Gallagher captain

The England international was given the armband for this match and led his team well. Often he was afforded a lot of space by the hosts, and he made the most of it. He utilised the gaps he found and did a good job of dictating the play. His performance did drop off in the second 45, but the same can be said for the rest of the team. Despite looking like he could have been sold in the transfer window, he has started every game for the Blues this season and has impressed.

2) Chelsea creating chances, but not scoring enough

Throughout the contest, the west Londoners were the dominant side and could have easily taken the lead, their wastefulness however, cost them. It has been the same old story for the Blues all season, creating opportunities but not tucking them away. Sterling hit the bar, Jackson hit the woodwork, and a whole host of other chances were not taken. If Chelsea want to be successful this season they must convert, otherwise it is going to be a miserable campaign.

3) Lesley Ugochukwu full debut

After being purchased from Stade Rennais this summer, the youngster was handed his full debut against the Cherries. While Gallagher was the leading figure alongside him in midfield, there was little to complain about with Ugochukwu’s display. The 19-year-old should get more chances to showcase his talent as the season progresses.

4) Mykahilo Mudryk leaves Blues wanting more

The 22-year-old’s Chelsea career has not lived up to what it was expected to be yet. He may have started the contest looking sharp down the left-hand side, but his influence in the game dwindled as it continued. It was by no means a bad display, however, you just want to see him do that bit more. He was replaced by Cole Palmer early on in the second half.

5) Five points from 15

It is not the start that Chelsea fans had predicted, what looked to be a kind run of fixtures to begin the season has seen the Blues accumulate just five points. The performances can be argued to be deserving of more than that, but Chelsea only have themselves to blame when it comes to where they stand in the Premier League table.