Chelsea secured a 1-0 victory against Bournemouth on Saturday, thanks to a late goal from substitute Christopher Nkunku in the 86th minute. The match, notable for featuring a Premier League record of 14 yellow cards, showcased Nkunku’s impact after he came on in the 79th minute.
Bournemouth created several opportunities, hitting the woodwork twice, and had a penalty saved by Chelsea’s goalkeeper Robert Sánchez in the first half. Despite a shaky start, Chelsea finished the match strongly with Nkunku capitalizing on a key pass from Jadon Sancho, who made his debut after joining on loan from Manchester United.
With this win, Chelsea climbed to seventh place in the league with seven points, while Bournemouth sits in 11th with five points. Chelsea’s head coach Enzo Maresca acknowledged the team’s struggles in the first half but praised their improved performance after the break. He highlighted the importance of winning key battles on the pitch.
Bournemouth’s manager, Andoni Iraola, expressed disappointment in the outcome, noting that his team had more shots and corners but failed to convert their chances. The match turned tense as both teams fought for control, but Nkunku’s late goal ultimately decided the encounter.
Throughout the match, referee Anthony Taylor issued numerous yellow cards, predominantly for minor fouls and player dissent. Maresca commented on the high number of bookings, stating that sometimes the game’s dynamics dictate player behavior.