{"id":2368,"date":"2024-09-15T13:33:51","date_gmt":"2024-09-15T08:03:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hoverstud.io\/?p=2368"},"modified":"2024-09-15T13:34:16","modified_gmt":"2024-09-15T08:04:16","slug":"bournemouth-vs-chelsea-super-sub-christopher-nkunku-seals-unconvincing-chelsea-win","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hoverstud.io\/bournemouth-vs-chelsea-super-sub-christopher-nkunku-seals-unconvincing-chelsea-win\/","title":{"rendered":"Bournemouth vs Chelsea: Super Sub Christopher Nkunku Seals Unconvincing Chelsea Win"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Chelsea’s rollercoaster season took another dramatic turn as super sub Christopher Nkunku came off the bench to score the decisive goal in their 1-0<\/strong><\/a> victory over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday. In a match filled with tension, missed opportunities, and a record-breaking number of yellow cards, the Blues eventually managed to grind out a result despite a lackluster performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A Scrappy Encounter with Big Implications<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Heading into this game, both Bournemouth and Chelsea had plenty to prove. Chelsea, under new manager Enzo Maresca, were still finding their feet after another chaotic transfer window, while Bournemouth were desperate to make an impression after a slow start to the Premier League season. The game promised fireworks\u2014and in some ways, it delivered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chelsea rode their luck in the first half as Bournemouth repeatedly threatened. Robert Sanchez, Chelsea\u2019s new goalkeeper, proved to be the hero early on by saving a penalty from Bournemouth\u2019s record signing, Evanilson, after Diogo Dalot’s clumsy challenge. Minutes later, Marcus Tavernier rattled the woodwork, adding to Bournemouth\u2019s frustrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite these moments of danger, Chelsea\u2019s defense held firm, albeit shakily. The Blues struggled to maintain possession and create meaningful chances, highlighting the ongoing issue of a lack of cohesion within a squad that has been heavily rebuilt. But just when the match seemed destined for a goalless draw, Christopher Nkunku, who had been on the field for barely 20 minutes, found the back of the net to hand Chelsea all three points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Nkunku Effect<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It was a tale of substitutions for Chelsea. Jadon Sancho, who joined from Manchester United in a last-minute deadline-day deal, impressed after being introduced at half-time. However, it was Nkunku who stole the headlines. The Frenchman, who had been eagerly anticipated by Chelsea fans, justified his hefty price tag with a cool, low finish after spinning onto a pass from Robert Sanchez.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nkunku\u2019s goal not only secured the win but also eased the pressure on manager Maresca, whose side had looked disjointed for much of the game. It was Nkunku\u2019s first Premier League goal of the season, and it couldn\u2019t have come at a better time for the Blues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bournemouth Left to Rue Missed Chances<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For Bournemouth, it was a case of what might have been. The Cherries were the better side for long stretches, creating more shots and winning more corners than their illustrious visitors. However, finishing proved to be their Achilles\u2019 heel. Along with Evanilson\u2019s missed penalty, Ryan Christie hit the woodwork in the second half, summing up Bournemouth\u2019s luck on the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Manager Andoni Iraola was understandably frustrated post-match, stating, \u201cWe had more of everything\u2014more shots, more corners\u2014but at the end what really matters is to score, and they did it.\u201d Despite the loss, Bournemouth showed enough promise to suggest they could trouble many teams this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Moises Caicedo for Chelsea vs. Bournemouth:

\u25c9 Most possessions won (10)
\u25c9 Most tackles (4)
\u25c9 Most interceptions (2)

And only Cole Palmer (8) won more duels than the Ecuadorian (7). \ud83d\udcaa#BOUCHE<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/jVcSRWfgAb<\/a><\/p>— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) September 14, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote>