The Blues snatched a late winner at Bournemouth at the weekend, bringing much-needed cheer against a backdrop of boardroom disharmony.
Chris Nkunku came on as sub and slotted the ball past Marcus Tavernier in the Cherries’ goal after being set up, with four minutes remaining, by a lively Jadon Sancho on his debut, having been loaned to the club from Man United.
But man of the match was Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez, on top form with a string of saves, including a penalty stop.
It was a bizarre match at the Vitality stadium in front of 11,235 spectators, with ref Anthony Taylor – Blues fans’ least favourite official, after a long history of unpopular decisions – dishing out 14 yellow cards, eight of them for the visitors.
“First half we struggled, but second half was much better,” said gaffer Enzo Maresca.
“Jadon made a difference; all the guys who came on from the bench made a difference. We are learning things all the time, as a team.”
Boardroom drama
There's drama behind the scenes in SW6 between Chelsea’s American owners, who can’t seem to agree on anything that’s happening, or should happen, at Stamford Bridge.
Fans, players and backroom staff look on in bewilderment as the big beasts and investors battle it out for supremacy, with ordinary supporters just yearning for a bit of stability – even boredom – instead of the constant noise.
There are plenty of positive signs on the pitch, especially with Chelsea’s away form, but those glimmers can so easily be snuffed out if players are distracted from the football.
The Blues are now up to seventh in the table, with a tricky trip to West Ham next on the fixture list.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
