Bournemouth vs. Chelsea: Winners and Losers from Premier League

Essentially an early pre-season friendly for 2016/17, Chelsea beat Bournemouth 4-1 at Dean Court. An early opener from Pedro, a deft chip from Willian and a brace from Eden Hazard were more than enough for three points.

Chelsea’s interim manager Guus Hiddink started a veteran side; the Blues’ only player under 25 was 21-year-old left-back Baba Rahman. Considering they have nothing much to play for, the opening selection showed respect for Bournemouth and manager Eddie Howe.

The Cherries—who bested the defending champions at Stamford Bridge last December 1-0—must have known their west London visitors would be seeking revenge, but the comfort of Chelsea’s victory might have worried Howe’s club were they not already safe from relegation.

Performances spanning the complete spectrum were on show—winners, losers and inbetweeners.

Winners: Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic 

Giving a man-of-the-match performance, Cesc Fabregas was unplayable. A hat-trick of assists for the Spanish midfielder proved the difference. Picking passes, clever flicks and exuding a level of confidence expected from last August, Fabregas ran the show.

His midfield partner, Nemanja Matic, made that possible.

The Serbian’s precipitous dip in form is in the top three reasons why Chelsea have struggled to reach the lofty heights they set in 2014/15—when the 27-year-old was the Blues’ most important player.

Showing against Bournemouth that reports of his demise were greatly exaggerated, Matic bossed defensive midfield. When he plays to his level, he protects his back four, connects play from defense to attack and allows Fabregas to create offensive opportunities for his team-mates.

The Serbian is an invaluable footballer for Chelsea, and …

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