Chelsea’s Attack Misfires Again in Bournemouth Draw
Chelsea striker Liam Delap suffered a shoulder injury during a dull 0–0 draw with Bournemouth in the Premier League.
The England Under-21 forward came off after several physical clashes with Marcos Senesi, who later limped off himself after overstretching. Delap’s replacement, teenager Marc Guiu, was unable to lift a Chelsea attack that struggled all afternoon, even with Cole Palmer back in the starting XI for the first time since September. Palmer lasted 58 minutes as he continues his recovery from groin and toe injuries.
Bournemouth thought they had an early breakthrough when Antoine Semenyo stabbed in a rebound, but VAR ruled Evanilson offside in the buildup. The hosts dominated the first half, with Semenyo forcing a save from distance and nearly setting up Evanilson again. Chelsea responded with half-chances for Marcus Tavernier, Alex Jimenez and Marc Cucurella, before Delap’s injury ended his match.
Chelsea improved after the break and Alejandro Garnacho struck the post, but most of their attempts were speculative efforts from range by Neto, Palmer, Guiu and Enzo Fernández. Both teams made attacking substitutions—Bournemouth adding Brooks, Adli and Unal; Chelsea turning to Joao Pedro and Estevao Willian—but neither side found a breakthrough.
Bournemouth rarely threatened in the second half aside from a strong Semenyo run that forced a save from Robert Sánchez. Despite going six games without a win, Iraola’s side will take positives from a committed performance. Chelsea, meanwhile, are now winless in three league matches, cooling off any title chatter.
Bournemouth’s bright start to the season, which saw them reach second place in October, has faded, leading to frustration among fans—especially after a poor midweek loss to Everton. However, against Chelsea, they looked more like Iraola’s high-pressing team. Their issues remain upfront: Evanilson has only one goal all season and even Semenyo is now seven games without a goal or assist. Injuries are also stacking up, with Senesi joining Milosavljevic, Christie and Doak on the sidelines. Tyler Adams should return against Manchester United next week.
Chelsea analysis: Neto shines, attack falters
Chelsea’s 14-game scoring run ended with another flat display. After the 3–1 loss to Leeds, they failed to score for the first time since the opening-day draw against Crystal Palace. Palmer looked rusty, Garnacho offered little aside from his header off the post, and Delap struggled before his injury. Neto was the only real spark, creating Chelsea’s best chances.
Late cameos from Guiu, Pedro and Estevao had little impact. For a team spoken about as possible title contenders just a week ago, this was another reminder of their inconsistency. Delap’s injury adds to the concerns ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Atalanta.