Chelsea confirmed their qualification for the Conference League play-off round courtesy of a 2-1 win against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League. Moises Caicedo scored from the halfway line in a result that means Mauricio Pochettino’s side finished the season with five wins. The loss for Bournemouth means that Andoni Iraola’s promising first season culminates with three losses on.
Moises Caicedo scored from the halfway line as Chelsea confirmed European football next season with a 2-1 victory against Bournemouth on the final day of the Premier League season.
The win – Chelsea’s fifth on the bounce in the Premier League – means the club have signed off a first campaign under Mauricio Pochettino in style.
Chelsea started the game on top by threatening Neto’s goal numerous times including through Nicholas Jackson, whose shot was well saved at the near post.
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As Bournemouth began to play themselves into the game, Raheem Sterling was put through only to find Neto charging out to clear to Caicedo. The Ecuadorian proceeded to lob the goalkeeper from just inside the visitors’ half.
The second half started franticly with Sterling putting Chelsea two goals ahead before that was immediately cancelled out by a Bournemouth break resulting in a Benoit Badiashile own goal.
A brilliant Connor Gallagher block helped Chelsea see out the match and secure their fifth win on the bounce in the league and a spot in Europe next season.
TALKING POINT
Chelsea continue newfound form and claim European football. Five wins in a row have confirmed Chelsea’s European status for next season. They will play in the Europa Conference League and the rebuild under Pochettino continues to flourish with Cole Palmer at the helm
PLAYER OF THE MATCH – COLE PALMER
The Englishman finished his fine season with a stellar performance demonstrating his skill and technique. His assist to Raheem Sterling was beautiful with pinpoint accuracy and he could have easily had two or three goals.
PLAYER RATINGS
Chelsea: Petrovic 7, Chalobah 6, Silva 7, Badiashile 5, Cucurella 7, Caicedo 8, Gallagher 6, Madueke 6, Palmer 8, Sterling 7, Jackson 7
Bournemouth: Neto 7, Aarons 6, Zabarnyi 5, Senesi 6, Kerkez 5, Cook 6, Christie 6, Semenyo 7, Kluivert 6, Tavernier 6, Unal 6
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
17’ Goal! Chelsea 1 – 0 Bournemouth (Caicedo): Caicedo scores an incredible goal from the half way line after a Neto mistake
48’ Goal! Chelsea 2 – 0 Bournemouth (Sterling): A fast start to the first half as Sterling breaks down the left and squeezes the ball under Neto
49’ Goal! Chelsea 2 – 1 Bournemouth (Badiashile OG): Chelsea’s two goal lead is instantly cut in half as Unal’s shot is bundled in by Badiashile
90 + 3 Huge Chance!: Bournemouth should be level as Ouattara has his shot saved by Petrovic and the follow up shot is incredibly blocked by Gallagher who saves two points for Chelsea.