Premier League action returned to Stamford Bridge this afternoon after the international break, with Chelsea hosting a winless Bournemouth. The Blues took a 2-0 lead into half-time, with a Henderson screamer and a Rogers strike doing the damage.
Cole Palmer Contract Confirmed
Chelsea celebrated a new contract for Cole Palmer, confirmed this morning, ahead of the match. The international break came at an ideal time for the Blues, who had been dealing with an injury crisis last month. Moises Caicedo had played barely a quarter of an hour of football this season, Reece James had done his hamstring, and Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer were both carrying injuries.
Three weeks of rest and recuperation meant the side was back to full strength for the visit of Bournemouth. The Cherries have endured a tough start to the new campaign, taking just three points from their opening five league matches. They faced the Blues without the benefit of Alex Scott, Justin Kluivert, or Eli Junior Kroupi.
First-Half Goals and Saves
GOAL! Rogers made it two in three minutes, and GOAL! Henderson's screamer gave the Blues an early lead. At half-time, the score was Chelsea 2-0 Bournemouth.
In the 35th minute, Emi Martinez made a double save, denying Rayan one-on-one and then Christie. In the 42nd minute, Rogers did brilliantly to get away from Adams and threaded a through-ball towards Joao Pedro, but slightly overcooked it and Petrovic made the claim.
In added time, Brooks did well to bring a long ball under control and send a cross for Evanilson, but Colwill made a well-timed intervention. There was another fine save from Martinez, who leaped across the face of goal to preserve Chelsea's clean sheet.
Dom Smith at Stamford Bridge noted: "A punch to the air from Martinez. Not really justified, in my opinion. He should have saved both and did."
