Neither Chelsea nor Bournemouth will be happy with what went down at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday (December 6), and they played out a frustrating 0-0 draw as both sides continue their respective slumps.
Bournemouth were the better of the two, having a goal ruled out for an albeit very clear offside in the fourth minute, but also having more shots (13), created more big chances (1), and generated a higher xG (1.42).
Enzo Maresca’s side missed their chance to rectify a truly awful 3-1 defeat to Leeds in the previous round of fixtures. They were second best for much of the game, and the fans are starting to get frustrated with the lack of progress.
Chelsea hit their annual festive slump
Right on cue, Chelsea are struggling. For the past few seasons it’s been the same old story, in 2024-25 the West Londoners went on a four-game winless run at the end of December and early January, drawing with Everton and Crystal Palace, and losing to Fulham and Ipswich.
They would ultimately turn things around, but at this point last season, Chelsea were six points better off with 31 compared to the 25 they’ve earned after 15 games in 2025-26. Maresca’s side are going backwards.
One pro is that Chelsea, on paper, have a better squad this time around than they did last, and with Moises Caicedo set to return against Newcastle, they SHOULD be back to full strength for a hectic month.
Alex Scott is fulfilling his huge potential
Bournemouth are now winless in their six Premier League games, but one positive they can take from their dire run, and especially due to his performance today, is that Alex Scott is starting to live up to the hype.
The South Coast club beat a host of Premier League sides to the midfielder’s signature back in 2023, signing him from Bristol City. He’s only now becoming a regular however, starting 14 of their 15 games so far this season.
Against Chelsea, Scott was probably Bournemouth best outfield player, goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic was fantastic. Scott ended his game having completed the most dribbles (4), made six passes into the final third, and made 11 recoveries. He’s already caught Thomas Tuchel’s eye, perhaps Scott could make a late run for a place in next year’s World Cup squad.
Cole Palmer’s return is a much-needed boost
Chelsea had no intention of rushing the lanky genius back, his staggered return was planned and probably wise considering the injury issues he’s had since the beginning of the season, with this being his first start after coming off the bench in the defeat to Leeds.
Palmer looked bright but is still someway off his best. The playmaker made 13 passes into the final third, created one chance, and won 4/5 of his ground duels before Maresca decided to play it safe and bring him off in the 58th minute.
Considering how dependent Chelsea have been on Palmer since the day he joined the club, they haven’t done too bad without him for the first few months of the season. They’ll now be hoping he can get them out of their winter slump.