Chelsea vs Bournemouth ended in a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge, with both clubs missing chances to change their league positions. All four goals arrived inside 27 minutes, then neither side could break
through again, leaving Chelsea still struggling to protect leads and Bournemouth content with an away point.
The result added to a worrying trend for Chelsea. The team had already lost to Aston Villa after scoring first, and this pattern repeated. Chelsea have now surrendered 15 Premier League points from winning positions this season, more than any other side, matching the total for the whole 2024-25 campaign.
The opening stages were frantic. Bournemouth struck first after six minutes when Antoine Semenyo’s long throw unsettled the Chelsea defence. Robert Sanchez stopped David Brooks’ first effort, but the Bournemouth captain reacted quickest and forced in the rebound from close range to give the visitors an early advantage.
Chelsea’s response came through a moment again involving Semenyo, this time in the Bournemouth box. Semenyo bundled Estevao to the ground, and after a VAR check, the referee awarded a penalty. Cole Palmer took responsibility and squeezed the spot-kick past Djordje Petrovic in the 15th minute to restore parity.
Eight minutes later, Chelsea moved in front through Enzo Fernandez on a notable day. Playing his 100th Premier League game, Fernandez received a pass from Alejandro Garnacho before picking out the top-right corner with a precise finish, briefly turning the contest in Chelsea’s favour and marking a personal milestone in style.
Bournemouth replied again on 27 minutes from another Semenyo long throw, which Chelsea failed to clear properly. Trevoh Chalobah flicked the ball on inside the area, and Justin Kluivert arrived unmarked at the back post. Kluivert finished calmly, levelling the score at 2-2 and exposing more uncertainty in Chelsea’s defending.
The second half was calmer but still produced notable efforts for both sides. Estevao forced Petrovic into a sharp save with a powerful shot just after the hour. Fernandez then missed a major chance on 77 minutes, curling over the bar, before Bournemouth substitute Enes Unal fired high in stoppage time at the other end.
Underlying numbers underlined how open the Chelsea vs Bournemouth draw had been. Both teams recorded 17 shots and created significant opportunities. Chelsea’s expected goals (xG) reached 2.43, while Bournemouth’s xG was slightly higher at 2.94, suggesting Andoni Iraola could feel more satisfied than the Chelsea coaching staff with the outcome.
Fernandez’s goal still carried historical weight for Chelsea despite the result. The Argentina international became only the third player to score on a 100th Premier League appearance for the club, following Gus Poyet against Tottenham in April 2001 and David Luiz against Liverpool in January 2017, yet the defensive record again overshadowed the milestone.
A point each.#CFC | #CHEBOU pic.twitter.com/KIc4js0osIChelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 30, 2025
The Chelsea vs Bournemouth draw leaves both sides reflecting on different issues. Chelsea’s inability to hold leads continues to hinder progress toward the upper positions. Bournemouth, meanwhile, showed resilience and threat from set-piece situations, collecting a point that maintains distance from the bottom while underlining areas still needing improvement.
