CHELSEA had Marcos Alonso to thank as his brace saw them deny Bournemouth their first ever league double over the Blues as the teams drew 2-2 at the Vitality.
Alonso put Frank Lampard’s men ahead on the half-hour mark after Olivier Giroud got on the end of a Reece James cross and crashed his effort off the bar.
Marcos Alonso put Chelsea ahead in the first-halfCredit: Getty Images – Getty
He converted at the back post after Olivier Giroud’s effort crashed off the barCredit: Reuters
But a quickfire double from Jefferson Lerma and Josh King within three minutes of each other just before the hour mark stunned the visitors who had dominated throughout.
But with just five minutes remaining, Alonso popped up again to nod home a rebound as Chelsea’s constant pressure finally bore fruit.
And here’s what SunSport’s William Pugh thought of the Blues’ individual performances.
WILLY CABALLERO – 6
Stood firm in the first-half as Bournemouth put the pressure on in the first 20 minutes.
Couldn’t have done much with either of Bournemouth’s close range goals in the second-half.
Great stop to keep it at 2-1 as his side chased the game.
REECE JAMES – 7
Whipped in a spectacular ball for the opening goal to find Giroud at the near post.
He won’t get the assist as the Frenchman smashed it off the bar but it fell to Alonso who stroked it home at the far post.
Looked dangerous as ever for the remainder.
CESAR AZPILICUETA – 6
Solid afternoon.
Will be disappointed with the two goals conceded but performed well even when Lampard shifted him across the backline midway through the second-half.
Continually joined in with attacks as his side did all the pressing for most of the game.
ANDREAS CHRISTENSEN – 5
Fantastic showing in the first-half but left a little flat-footed for Bournemouth’s goals.
Proved again neither him or Tomori are the leader Chelsea need at centre-back.
Beaten to the ball by Lerma for Bournemoth’s opener.
Booked for cynical foul on Wilson.
Alonso saved a point for Chelsea with his late headerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The Spaniard was Chelsea’s best playerCredit: AFP or licensors
FIKAYO TOMORI (Subbed off, 64 mins) – 4
Disappointing.
Failed to stake his claim for a return to the first team.
Hauled off just past the hour mark as Lampard chased the equaliser.
MARCOS ALONSO – 8
Saved Chelsea’s skin with vital brace.
Was targeted by the home side before the break and they had some joy as they exploited his lack of pace.
But popped up with his second and third Prem goals in consecutive games with two far post efforts.
MATEO KOVACIC – 5
Lucky to escape a booking for a tackle from behind in the first half.
Not as dynamic or effective as he can be but tough to be too harsh as Chelsea dominated the ball for most of the game.
Out-muscled by Lerma for Bournemouth’s opener.
JORGINHO (Subbed off, 64 mins) – 5
Harshly booked for a late challenge on Philip Billing in the first-half.
His tenth of the season so will miss the next two games.
Hauled off just past the hour mark.
Fikayo Tomori had an afternoon to forgetCredit: AFP or licensors
Jefferson Lerma headed Bournemouth’s equaliserCredit: PA:Press Association
MASON MOUNT – 6
Looked a little more lively than he has done in recent times.
Just seems to be missing the star quality he had earlier in the campaign.
PEDRO – 6
Quiet but probing as his side controlled the ball throughout.
It was his shot that led to Alonso’s late equaliser but will not keep Christian Pulisic out when the American returns.
OLIVIER GIROUD (subbed off 72 mins) – 7
His effort off the bar fell to Alonso who put Chelsea ahead in the first-half.
Missed a huge chance just moments into the second-half.
But won almost every header and his hold up play was fantastic for most of the game.
Abraham may have a battle on his hands to get back in the team but earned his money this week.
SUBS
Ross Barkley (replaced Jorginho) – 6
Tired to make things happen as Chelsea chased an equaliser.
Willian (replaced Tomori) – 5
Next to no impact after coming on.
Batshuayi (replaced Giroud) – 5
Had a goal disallowed after coming on but was miles offside.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
