Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea: Pochettino’s Blues rue missed chances in goalless draw

Chelsea had to settle for a point against Bournemouth despite a flurry of big chances down on the south coast on Sunday afternoon.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side had chance after chance but were unable to convert to ensure they remained winless on the road this season in the Premier League, taking their points tally to five points from as many league games.

On a wet afternoon down on the south coast, Enzo Fernandez had his shot, the first of the game, from distance comfortably saved inside the opening minutes. Moments later, Conor Gallagher was unable to convert from yards out after Mykhailo Mudryk smashed the ball across the front past to the on-the-day Chelsea skipper.

Raheem Sterling had a glorious chance to put Chelsea ahead after 11 minutes. Gallagher slipped it through, but Sterling could only strike the ball on the bounce across goal and away from danger to Neto’s relief.

Pochettino’s side continued to knock on the door and the post denied Nicolas Jackson from scoring the game’s opener in the 13th minute. After well-worked link-up play with Mudryk on the left-hand side, his low effort from the edge of the box cannoned off the post.

Despite Chelsea’s early dominance, Robert Sanchez was called into action in the 18th minute to pull off a big save to ensure the score stayed level. Pochettino’s side were caught napping and Dango Ouattara had a massive chance, but the Chelsea number one delivered when called upon.

Bournemouth gained a foothold in the game as the first half went on. The quality of the affair matches the weather – not so great. Chelsea created another just chance just after the half hour mark; Gallagher composed himself in the box but his strike was palmed away by Neto to deny the visitors of an opener.

Chelsea thought they had the opener five minutes into the second half. Sterling’s free-kick on the edge of the box cannoned off the woodwork and Levi Colwill tapped in from the close range, but the flag was raised for offside to quickly put a halt to celebrations.

Pochettino made his first change in the 63rd minute as Chelsea looked to break the deadlock. Summer arrival Cole Palmer replaced Mudryk, who could count himself unfortunate not to get an assist.

A goalmouth scramble somehow didn’t see Chelsea put the ball in the back of the net. Neto ensured Colwill didn’t poke in from close range and their frustrations continued.

Bournemouth started to grow in confidence heading into the final 10 minutes. Sanchez was forced into a big save to keep out former Chelsea striker Dominic Solanke from close range.

Pochettino played another hand in the 80th minute to try to find a winner. Ben Chilwell and Ian Maatsen were brought on for Enzo Fernandez and Colwill.

Neto continued to keep the Blues out. Sterling’s cut-back was guided goalwards by Palmer, but the Brazilian got a strong palm to it to ensure it remained goalless.

Chelsea weren’t able to find the back of the net and had to settle for a point on the road. It wasn’t for a lack of chances created but they were unable to produce when it really mattered in the final third. Another frustrating afternoon.