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Chelsea 0-3 Bournemouth: Conte’s champions in meltdown

  • Callum Wilson gave Bournemouth a surprise lead after latching onto a pass from Jordan Ibe after 51 minutes
  • Junior Stanislas doubled the advantage for the Cherries 13 minutes later to send Stamford Bridge into shock
  • Nathan Ake adds a third against his old club soon after to leave Antonio Conte reeling in the home dugout
  • Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen and midfielder Ross Barkley both leave the field with apparent injuries
  • New signings Olivier Giroud and Emerson Palmeiri presented to Stamford Bridge crowd at half-time interval

By Matt Barlow for the Daily Mail

Published: 21:36 GMT, 31 January 2018 | Updated: 21:51 GMT, 31 January 2018

Chelsea paraded their statuesque new big man after signing Olivier Giroud but the statuesque big men at the back were the problem for Antonio Conte as his champions froze against Bournemouth.

Conte’s team lacked threat in attack, neatly illustrating the manager’s desire for more options up front, and were uncharacteristically awful in defence after Andreas Christensen was forced off injured.

Bournemouth took full advantage with three goals in a 16-minute spell at the start of the second-half.

Callum Wilson of Bournemouth scores to make it 1-0 and celebrates with a salute to the travelling fans at Stamford Bridge

Callum Wilson of Bournemouth scores to make it 1-0 and celebrates with a salute to the travelling fans at Stamford Bridge

Wislon celebrates with his Bournemouth team-mates after his strike sent Stamford Bridge into a silent shock on WednesdayWislon celebrates with his Bournemouth team-mates after his strike sent Stamford Bridge into a silent shock on Wednesday

Wislon celebrates with his Bournemouth team-mates after his strike sent Stamford Bridge into a silent shock on Wednesday

Junior Stanislas falls to his knees and points to the sky after doubling Bournemouth's advantage over Chelsea on WednesdayJunior Stanislas falls to his knees and points to the sky after doubling Bournemouth's advantage over Chelsea on Wednesday

Junior Stanislas falls to his knees and points to the sky after doubling Bournemouth's advantage over Chelsea on Wednesday

Thibaut Courtois looks dejected as former Chelsea star Nathan Ake runs to celebrate Bournemouth's third goal of the eveningThibaut Courtois looks dejected as former Chelsea star Nathan Ake runs to celebrate Bournemouth's third goal of the evening

Thibaut Courtois looks dejected as former Chelsea star Nathan Ake runs to celebrate Bournemouth's third goal of the evening

Ross Barkley and his Chelsea team-mates look dejected as they make their way back to their positions after going 1-0 downRoss Barkley and his Chelsea team-mates look dejected as they make their way back to their positions after going 1-0 down

Ross Barkley and his Chelsea team-mates look dejected as they make their way back to their positions after going 1-0 down

Cesc Fabregas looks on in disbelief as the Premier League champions concede a third goal against Bournemouth at homeCesc Fabregas looks on in disbelief as the Premier League champions concede a third goal against Bournemouth at home

Cesc Fabregas looks on in disbelief as the Premier League champions concede a third goal against Bournemouth at home

Chelsea captain Gary Cahill looks dejected as he waits for the match to restart following Bournemouth's opening goal

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte cannot bear to watch as he sees his side succumb to a shock defeat to BournemouthChelsea manager Antonio Conte cannot bear to watch as he sees his side succumb to a shock defeat to Bournemouth

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte cannot bear to watch as he sees his side succumb to a shock defeat to Bournemouth

MATCH FACTS, PLAYER RATINGS AND MATCH ZONE

Chelsea: Courtois 6; Azpilicueta 6, Christensen 6.5 (Rudiger 28 min, 6), Cahill 5.5; Zappacosta 6 (Hudson-Odoi 65, 6), Kante 6.5, Bakayoko 5.5, Alonso 6.5; Pedro 6, Hazard 6.5, Barkley 5.5 (Fabregas 54, 5).

Subs not used: Cabellero, Ampadu, Drinkwater, Moses.

Bookings: Fabregas

Manager: Antonio Conte 6

Bournemouth: Begovic 6; Francis 7.5, S.Cook 7, Ake 7; Fraser 6, Gosling 6.5, L.Cook 7, Daniels 6; Ibe 7, Wilson 7 (Mousset 90+2), Stanislas 8 (King 71).

Subs not used: Boruc, Surman, Pugh, Arter, Simpson

Goals: Wilson 51, Stanislas, 64, Ake 67

Manager: Eddie Howe 7

Referee: Lee Probert 6

Season at a glance

  • Premier League
  • Premier League
  • Championship
  • League One
  • League Two
  • Scottish Premiership
  • Scottish Div 1
  • Scottish Div 2
  • Scottish Div 3
  • Ligue 1
  • Serie A
  • La Liga
  • Bundesliga

Stanislas drives into the Chelsea box before shooting to make it 2-0. For more from Match Zone, CLICK HERE.Stanislas drives into the Chelsea box before shooting to make it 2-0. For more from Match Zone, CLICK HERE.

Stanislas drives into the Chelsea box before shooting to make it 2-0. For more from Match Zone, CLICK HERE.

Callum Wilson dashed clear and fired in the first, Junior Stanislas scored the second in similar fashion and former Chelsea defender Nathan Ake made it 3-0 when he pounced from close range.

For Giroud, who watched the drama unfold from a seat behind Conte’s bench alongside Emerson Palmieri, another new signing, it must have felt a lot like being at Arsenal.

It is only a couple of weeks since Bournemouth embarrassed Arsene Wenger’s team and here they were ruffling another prestigious reputation and damaging more their top-four ambitions.

Ross Barkley, Chelsea’s first recruit of the January window, made his full debut on the left of a front three, which also featured Eden Hazard and Pedro.

Hazard was deployed in the central role in the absence of Alvaro Morata, who is still out with a back injury, and with Michy Batshuayi loaned out to Borussia Dortmund for the rest of the season after his two goals in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Barkley had made two substitute appearances since his £15million move from Everton and he was starting a competitive game for the first time since May.

Old players were in evidence, too, at Stamford Bridge, with Asmir Begovic and Nathan Ake in the Bournemouth team and the visitors started with confidence and refused to be dominated by the champions.

Wilson slots the ball past Thibaut Courtois clinically after evading Chelsea defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Gary Cahill Wilson slots the ball past Thibaut Courtois clinically after evading Chelsea defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Gary Cahill 

Wilson slots the ball past Thibaut Courtois clinically after evading Chelsea defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Gary Cahill

Stanislas beats Courtois to double Bournemouth's advantage and leaves Stamford Bridge stunned into silence on WednesdayStanislas beats Courtois to double Bournemouth's advantage and leaves Stamford Bridge stunned into silence on Wednesday

Stanislas beats Courtois to double Bournemouth's advantage and leaves Stamford Bridge stunned into silence on Wednesday

Ake sends the ball into the far corner of Chelsea goalkeeper Courtois' net to give Bournemouth a three-goal lead on the nightAke sends the ball into the far corner of Chelsea goalkeeper Courtois' net to give Bournemouth a three-goal lead on the night

Ake sends the ball into the far corner of Chelsea goalkeeper Courtois' net to give Bournemouth a three-goal lead on the night

Ake celebrates in front of the travelling Bournemouth fans at Stamford Bridge as they run riot against the championsAke celebrates in front of the travelling Bournemouth fans at Stamford Bridge as they run riot against the champions

Ake celebrates in front of the travelling Bournemouth fans at Stamford Bridge as they run riot against the champions

Belgian goalkeeper Courtois kicks his post as Bournemouth players celebrate close to their travelling fans in the backgroundBelgian goalkeeper Courtois kicks his post as Bournemouth players celebrate close to their travelling fans in the background

Belgian goalkeeper Courtois kicks his post as Bournemouth players celebrate close to their travelling fans in the background

Thibaut Courtois made an early save from Jordon Ibe and Chelsea were forced to reshuffle their defensive unit when Christensen suffered what seemed to be a hamstring injury, midway through the first half.

With David Luiz out with an ankle injury, Conte turned to Antonio Rudiger. Gary Cahill moved into the central position and almost opened the scoring immediately, with a header at the near post from a corner delivered by Pedro.

Cahill’s effort flashed narrowly over and it sparked Chelsea’s best spell of the first half as they began to slick passes around at a quicker tempo and get Hazard on the ball in dangerous areas around the penalty box.

Hazard mistimed a good chance in the air when Marcos Alonso picked him out and the Belgian was then thwarted by a sliding tackle from Steve Cook as he sought to pounce on a Bournemouth mistake.

Alonso became more influential, galloping forward on the left flank and headed wide as he advanced to meet a cross from fellow wing-back Davide Zappacosta.

Bournemouth’s back-three stayed firm and held out until half-time, then came out and took the lead within six minutes of the restart.

Tiemoue Bakayoko was caught dwelling on the ball in a deep midfield area by Wilson, who gave the ball to Ibe and sped towards goal through the heart of Chelsea’s back line.

Ibe slid a pass into the path and Wilson made it clear of Cahil and Cesar Azpilicueta and tucked a neat and confident finish past Courtois as the goalkeeper spread his body.

New signing Olivier Giroud looked happy as he took his seat on the Chelsea bench following his £18m move from ArsenalNew signing Olivier Giroud looked happy as he took his seat on the Chelsea bench following his £18m move from Arsenal

New signing Olivier Giroud looked happy as he took his seat on the Chelsea bench following his £18m move from Arsenal

Bournemouth defender Charlie Daniels prevents an almost certain goal after winning the ball ahead of Davide ZappacostaBournemouth defender Charlie Daniels prevents an almost certain goal after winning the ball ahead of Davide Zappacosta

Bournemouth defender Charlie Daniels prevents an almost certain goal after winning the ball ahead of Davide Zappacosta

Jordon Ibe of Bournemouth is challenged for the ball by Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko during the opening halfJordon Ibe of Bournemouth is challenged for the ball by Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko during the opening half

Jordon Ibe of Bournemouth is challenged for the ball by Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko during the opening half

Former Chelsea defender Nathan Ake dispossesses Eden Hazard on his return to Stamford Bridge with Bournemouth Former Chelsea defender Nathan Ake dispossesses Eden Hazard on his return to Stamford Bridge with Bournemouth 

Former Chelsea defender Nathan Ake dispossesses Eden Hazard on his return to Stamford Bridge with Bournemouth

Chelsea's Belgian star Hazard takes on several Bournemouth players at once in an effort to break the deadlockChelsea's Belgian star Hazard takes on several Bournemouth players at once in an effort to break the deadlock

Chelsea's Belgian star Hazard takes on several Bournemouth players at once in an effort to break the deadlock

The goal stunned the Bridge but for a small pocket of away fans in one corner of the Shed End, and Conte made a swift change, replacing Barkley with Cesc Fabregas.

Hazard tested Begovic from distance but Bournemouth were not prepared to sit back and defend the lead.

Howe’s team threatened again with Lewis Cook whistling a sweet strike past the goal and Stanislas grabbed the second.

Like the first, he latched onto a pass threaded through the Chelsea defence, was too quick for Cahill and stabbed a shot low past Courtois.

Conte sent on teenager Callum Hudson-Odoi but Ake made it 3-0, diverting a low drive from Stanislas following a corner which was not cleared by the home team.

Belatedly, Chelsea summoned a fight-back of sorts. Alonso lashed a fierce 30-yarder wide and there was a strong shout for a penalty when Pedro headed against Ake’s arm.

Referee Lee Probert was unmoved. As were Bournemouth, who resisted the late flourish and limited the home team to very few opportunities as their fans chanted “We want four”.

Chelsea supporters responded with a chorus of “Barcelona, we’re coming for you”.

Hudson-Odoi sparkled, offering more creativity in his brief cameo than many of his team-mates. One of his efforts from blocked by Steve Cook. Another was smothered by Begovic.

Stamford Bridge emptied in a hurry and Conte looked as if he might like to join them.

Wilson watches as his shot hits the back of the Chelsea net after goalkeeper Courtois failed to stop his shot on goalWilson watches as his shot hits the back of the Chelsea net after goalkeeper Courtois failed to stop his shot on goal

Wilson watches as his shot hits the back of the Chelsea net after goalkeeper Courtois failed to stop his shot on goal

Wilson thanks Jordan Ibe after the winger assisted his goal to give Bournemouth a surprise lead over Chelsea Wilson thanks Jordan Ibe after the winger assisted his goal to give Bournemouth a surprise lead over Chelsea 

Wilson thanks Jordan Ibe after the winger assisted his goal to give Bournemouth a surprise lead over Chelsea

Marcos Alonso attempts to get Chelsea back on level terms with a shot at goal from a free-kick just outside the penalty areaMarcos Alonso attempts to get Chelsea back on level terms with a shot at goal from a free-kick just outside the penalty area

Marcos Alonso attempts to get Chelsea back on level terms with a shot at goal from a free-kick just outside the penalty area

Stanislas is congratulated by his Bournemouth team-mate Lewis Cook after doubling their advantage over ChelseaStanislas is congratulated by his Bournemouth team-mate Lewis Cook after doubling their advantage over Chelsea

Stanislas is congratulated by his Bournemouth team-mate Lewis Cook after doubling their advantage over Chelsea

The Chelsea players head back to their starting positions with a dejected look after conceding for a second timeThe Chelsea players head back to their starting positions with a dejected look after conceding for a second time

The Chelsea players head back to their starting positions with a dejected look after conceding for a second time

Ake completes the humiliation for the reigning Premier League champions by scoring a third goal against his former clubAke completes the humiliation for the reigning Premier League champions by scoring a third goal against his former club

Ake completes the humiliation for the reigning Premier League champions by scoring a third goal against his former club

The Bournemouth players celebrate in front of the travelling fans after Ake makes it 3-0 on a stunning night for the clubThe Bournemouth players celebrate in front of the travelling fans after Ake makes it 3-0 on a stunning night for the club

The Bournemouth players celebrate in front of the travelling fans after Ake makes it 3-0 on a stunning night for the club

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