Chelsea player ratings vs Bournemouth: Cole Palmer a joy to watch but Moises Caicedo mistake costly

Romeo Lavia quickly up to speed in Premier League thriller but Nicolas Jackson wasteful again
Superstar: Cole Palmer now has 20 goal involvements for Chelsea this season
Chelsea FC via Getty Images
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Chelsea needed Reece James’ late free-kick to salvage a 2-2 draw following a stunning fightback from Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.

The Cherries had come from 1-0 down following Cole Palmer’s opener to lead 2-1 in west London, the goals coming from Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo.

However, James, on as a substitute, curled a superb low effort into the far corner in stoppage time to earn a share of the points.

Even so, the Blues’ run without a Premier League victory now extends to five games.

Here’s how Enzo Maresca’s side rated at Stamford Bridge...

Robert Sanchez 5

Got away with one hairy moment as Bournemouth struck post. Little chance with either goal.

Moises Caicedo 4

Deployed as a right-back and without much licence to invert. Incredibly clumsy foul on Semenyo for penalty.

Josh Acheampong 6

A second successive league start for the teenager, who impressed again in a composed first half but was beaten by Semenyo for Bournemouth’s second.

Levi Colwill 6

A dominant, aggressive display from a player touted last week as a future captain. Seems to relish marshalling young Acheampong through the game. Battled through injury.

Marc Cucurella 6

On the front foot against David Brooks, who escaped red card for cynical clothesline.

Romeo Lavia 7

First Premier League start in more than a month following hamstring injury. Took no time getting back up to speed. Gives this side a better balance. Booked.

Enzo Fernandez 6

Found plenty of space to drive into as Bournemouth tilted their midfield in failed attempt to stop Palmer.

Noni Madueke 6

Back following illness. One terrific run down the right to make chance Jackson skied. Gave Milos Kerkez plenty of problems, which takes a bit of doing.

Cole Palmer 7

In the groove from the first minute. Shimmy to sit Mark Travers down for goal was almost rude. A pleasure to watch, as ever.

Jadon Sancho 5

Delighted crowd with glorious double-nutmeg but then did not make enough of his mismatch against Lewis Cook once James Hill went off injured.

Nicolas Jackson 5

Cannot buy a goal at the moment, missing several glaring chances. Assist for Palmer’s goal was brilliant but should have killed the game.

Substitutes

Reece James (Lavia 55’) 7

Sent on after Caicedo’s blunder. Rescued a point with brilliant free-kick. A captain’s goal.

Tosin Adarabioyo (Acheampong 71’) 6

Has a taste for goals after double against Morecambe but saw header tipped over.

Joao Felix (Caicedo 81’) N/A

Pedro Neto (Madueke 81’) N/A

Unused: Jorgensen, Gusto, Veiga, Nkunku, Guiu.

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