Chelsea secured their Premier League status ahead of next season with a 3-1 win over in-form AFC Bournemouth in their Matchday 34 clash. The Blues secured their first win since March 11th to mathematically escape relegation from the Premier League.
Coming into the game on the back of six consecutive defeats, including two to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League and four in the league against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Brighton and Hove Albion, Brentford and Arsenal, Chelsea were on only 39 points from 33 games. They were facing a daunting trip to Bournemouth, one of the best sides in the league this year, with both sides level on points.
Chelsea took the lead after only eight minutes through English midfielder Conor Gallagher, who headed home a cross from N’Golo Kante to score his third league goal of the season for his boyhood club.
Bournemouth responded in classy fashion and equalised in the 21st minute through on-loan defender Matias Vina. The Uruguayan was on hand to curl home a brilliant right-footed effort after exquisite one touch football in the build-up to the goal.
Chelsea threatened to score through youngster Noni Madueke, but a combination of poor decision-making and good defending prevented the winger from contributing to a goal for the Blues.
The second half saw the home side threaten to go ahead, with former Chelsea youngster Dominic Solanke denied a penalty by the VAR before Gallagher made a decisive goalline block to deny Dango Ouattara from scoring his first goal at the Vitality Stadium.
With the match edging towards its conclusion, Chelsea went ahead through French defender Benoit Badiashile in the 82nd minute. The 21-year-old was on hand to slam home a volley at the far post following a free-kick from Hakim Ziyech.
With four minutes left in the match, substitute Joao Felix added a third for Chelsea within minutes of his introduction. The Portuguese forward sidefooted home from inside the box after a mazy run from Raheem Sterling.
Chelsea held on to a win, their first under Frank Lampard and a first in ten matches. The Blues have now picked up 42 points and have mathematically secured their Premier League status for next season.
