Chelsea arrived at the Vitality Stadium looking to get their league form back on track, but the afternoon settled into a tight and frustrating 0 0 draw. The early flow of the match changed when Delap had to come off around the half hour mark, bringing Marc Guiu into the match earlier than planned.
Chelsea kept control of the ball for most of the game and tried to build attacks through Palmer, Garnacho, and James, but they struggled to turn that control into real chances. Bournemouth stayed compact, protected their box well, and limited Chelsea to efforts that never truly tested the goalkeeper.
Delap’s injury forced an adjustment in Chelsea’s attack, while Palmer fit again and back in the starting lineup added creativity, but was unable to break Bournemouth’s defensive structure. The second half continued in the same pattern, with Chelsea pushing forward and Bournemouth holding firm.
The match ended without a breakthrough, leaving Chelsea with a single point and concerns over Delap’s fitness. Bournemouth take a disciplined result on their home ground.
