Chelsea 2-2 Bournemouth: Late James free kick rescues draw for Blues

A stoppage-time free kick by Reece James rescued a point for Chelsea as they drew 2-2 with Bournemouth, although they have now gone five matches without a victory in the league.

Enzo Maresca’s side controlled the match early on and went ahead in the first half through a cool Cole Palmer finish after good work from Nicolas Jackson.

But the visitors got level five minutes into the second half through Justin Kluivert, converted from the spot after Antoine Semenyo was fouled in the area. Semenyo then put them ahead with a brilliant finish in the 68th minute.

They looked to have done enough to claim their first win at Stamford Bridge since 2019, but Reece James scored a superb free kick in the 95th minute to nick a point for the hosts.

That’s now nine unbeaten in the @premierleague pic.twitter.com/8rERYmWj7S

— AFC Bournemouth (@afcbournemouth) January 14, 2025

Chelsea stay fourth in the table following the draw, while Bournemouth remain seventh and trail fifth-placed Newcastle United by just one point.

Data Debrief: Cherries extend unbeaten run

Despite the disappointment of conceding a late goal which resulted in Bournemouth leaving Stamford Bridge with just a point, they extended their longest unbeaten run in the top-flight to nine matches, with five victories and four draws.

Though the Cherries still found the back of the net on two occasions, their seven shots attempted in total were their lowest in a Premier League match for the club this season.

Chelsea went close on numerous occasions in the first half, with a host of chances falling to Jackson. Overall, he took seven shots which is the joint-highest total for a Chelsea player this season.