The returning Thomas Tuchel will have seen few of the players he left behind in 2022 but he will, though, have been reminded of the jeopardy of being Chelsea manager.
Previously a safe pair of hands, Enzo Maresca's formula for success is wobbling. His team showed a combination of scallowness and profligacy, struggling with a spirited Bournemouth team stripped to bare bones. It took an added-time free-kick from Reece James, openly criticised by Maresca, his Chelsea career hampered by injury, and a survivor from Tuchel's time, to prevent defeat.
A strong-arm Chelsea approach created chances from the opening seconds, Enzo Fernandez losing his footing when the goal beckoned. Meanwhile, Bournemouth's David Brooks had already taken an almighty crunch to the chops from Marc Cucurella.
Next, Jadon Sancho and Cole Palmer combined, only for Palmer's usually trusty left foot to malfunction. No worries here. Palmer's goal soon came, Nicolas Jackson spinning off Illia Zabarnyi, the finish full of customary swagger.
This story is from the January 15, 2025 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the January 15, 2025 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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