Chelsea strike late to stay perfect News

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Chelsea strike late to stay perfect

By Daily Sports on September 2, 2018

Chelsea continued their perfect start to the season with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Substitute Pedro broke Bournemouth's resistance with a deflected effort in the 72nd minute before Eden Hazard fired in the second with five minutes remaining.

Bournemouth had chances with the game at 0-0 but Callum Wilson and Nathan Ake both shot over the bar from excellent positions.

The win sees Chelsea move level with Liverpool on 12 points at the top of the Premier League.

Bournemouth suffer their first defeat, and will be left to regret their two big missed chances by Wilson and Ake, having frustrated Chelsea for much of the game with their compact and well-organised defence.

Chelsea had 81 per cent possession in their previous game against Newcastle, and it was a similar story in the first half against Bournemouth, who played with a back three and defended deep.

Chelsea struggled to create clear chances as Antonio Rudiger headed over from a corner and Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic shot wide.

Wilson spurned a fantastic chance to score in the 30th minute when he turned a shot over the bar from 10 yards out from Sergio Rico's left-wing cross.

Alonso almost broke the deadlock late in the half as he hit a scuffed effort against the post from the edge of the box.

Alonso went close again after the break as his swept shot from inside the area was pushed away by Begovic.

Former Chelsea defender Ake then missed from almost under the bar after a corner landed at his feet.

Bournemouth's compact defence continued to frustrate Chelsea, but a fortunate deflection helped the hosts break the deadlock as Pedro's shot hit Steve Cook and spun past Begovic.

Hazard then made sure of victory as he collected Alonso's lay-off and drilled a low shot past the goalkeeper.

It was hard going for Chelsea, but Hazard was their driving force. The Belgium international was typically threatening whenever he got on the ball, driving past challenges and creating spaces for team-mates. He made five key passes (more than any other player) and sealed the win with a clinical finish. (Sky Sports)

•Photo shows Chelsea's Hazard

Source Daily Sports

Posted September 2, 2018