Nkunku’s late strike seals Chelsea victory over Bournemouth
Christopher Nkunku came off the bench to secure a late 1-0 win for Chelsea against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, continuing the Blues’ strong start to the season.
The hosts began brightly, with Marcus Tavernier rattling the crossbar from long range just four minutes in. Bournemouth piled on the pressure as Evanilson and Antoine Semenyo forced Chelsea’s goalkeeper Robert Sánchez into key saves, while Justin Kluivert was also denied by the in-form shot-stopper.
Bournemouth had a golden opportunity to take the lead when a disastrous backpass from Wesley Fofana gifted Evanilson a penalty. However, Sánchez came to Chelsea’s rescue once again, blocking the striker’s spot-kick.
Chelsea struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, prompting manager Enzo Maresca to make attacking changes, introducing João Félix and Jadon Sancho. The substitutions paid off, gradually shifting momentum in Chelsea’s favor.
The breakthrough came in the dying minutes, as Nkunku, brought on as a substitute, combined with Sancho to create the winning goal. Nkunku breezed past Bournemouth’s defenders before slotting the ball into the corner, securing all three points for the visitors.
Despite a valiant effort from Bournemouth, Chelsea’s resilience and clinical finishing proved decisive, maintaining their unbeaten run in the Premier League.
