Adequate Result

On a day when high-flying Manchester City put three more goals past West Bromwich Albion, the champions Chelsea had to rely on an Eden Hazard effort from close range to ensure that they took maximum points from their visit to struggling Bournemouth. The latter showed virtually no attacking intent in the first half, but the impotent visitors were unable to cash in on their surplus of possession. Alvaro Morata in particular had a miserable time of it. He missed a sitter which Batshuayi would have buried; he had another goal bound shot which Begovic managed to deflect wide; and when he did score, his effort was ruled offside.

At least Courtois and his defence reacquainted themselves with a clean sheet. Perhaps it was no coincidence that in the absence of captain Cahill, the defending was slightly more convincing. The triumvirate of Azpilicueta, Luiz, and Rudiger each acquitted himself well, albeit against a less than formidable opposition.

Hopefully the defensive solidity will extend far beyond this trip to the south coast. A tricky assignment in Rome awaits followed by the small matter of an engagement with that nice Manchester United.....

AFC Bournemouth 0 CHELSEA 1; half time: 0-0

CHELSEA goal scorer: Hazard

CHELSEA: Courtois; Zappacosta; Azpilicueta; Alonso; Luiz; Rudiger; Pedro; Bakayoko; Morata; Fabregas; Hazard. Used substitutes: Drinkwater; Batshuayi; Willian

CHELSEA leading scorers:

Batshuayi seven

Morata seven

Hazard three

Pedro three

Alonso two

Azpilicueta two

Bakayoko two

Luiz two