Chelsea 2-2 Bournemouth: Advantage Liverpool in top-four race

Chelsea’s push for a top-four finish suffered another setback as they were held to a pulsating 2-2 draw by Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge, a result that handed the initiative to Liverpool in the Champions League race.

The Chelsea came into the contest already under pressure, having slipped three points behind Liverpool following last weekend’s defeat to Aston Villa. With Enzo Maresca’s side desperate to respond, they instead extended their winless run to three matches.

The Blues were rocked inside seven minutes. A long throw from Antoine Semenyo caused chaos in the Chelsea box, with David Brooks’ header spilling from the grasp of Robert Sánchez. Brooks reacted quickest to poke home the rebound and give AFC Bournemouth an early lead.

Chelsea responded positively and were level within minutes. Semenyo turned from provider to culprit as he brought down Estevão in the box. VAR upheld the decision, and Cole Palmer just about squeezed his penalty beyond Đorđe Petrović.

Momentum swung further Chelsea’s way on 23 minutes when Enzo Fernández completed the turnaround with a superb finish, arrowing an effort into the top corner to leave Petrović rooted.

But Bournemouth were not done. Once again, Chelsea struggled to deal with direct play. Another long throw from Semenyo found its way through the area on 27 minutes, and Justin Kluivert ghosted in at the far post to bundle home from close range and restore parity.

Maresca introduced Reece James and Pedro Neto at the interval in search of control. The changes helped, with Neto adding thrust on the right flank and Estevão continuing to torment Bournemouth’s defence after switching sides.

One sweeping Chelsea move summed up the second half: Estevão’s brilliant footwork ignited the attack, Neto surged forward and picked out Liam Delap in the middle, but the finish failed to match the build-up.

Chelsea continued to probe and dominate possession, yet a decisive third goal proved elusive as Bournemouth held firm to secure a valuable point.

The draw will feel like a missed opportunity for Chelsea, who were unable to apply pressure on Liverpool in the race for Champions League qualification. Defensive frailties — particularly from set plays — once again undermined strong attacking moments.

For Bournemouth, the point was richly earned after an enterprising display, while for Chelsea it was another reminder that control and consistency remain works in progress under Maresca.

Chelsea must regroup quickly as the margin for error continues to shrink. With rivals finding form, dropped points like these could prove costly come the end of the season.

Are Chelsea dropping out of the top-four race, or can Enzo Maresca still steady the ship in the weeks ahead?