Chelsea 2 – 0 B’mouth

Chelsea earned their first Premier League win since October 16 as Kai Havertz and Mason Mount’s goals secured a 2-0 home win over Bournemouth, but the hosts’ day was soured when Reece James’ comeback was ended by injury.

James was named in the starting XI by Graham Potter as he returned from more than two months out with a knee injury and excelled for nearly an hour before going down in front of the head coach and having to be replaced.

The right-back’s exit seemed to rock Chelsea, who loosened their grip on the game and allowed Bournemouth back into the contest, but the visitors lacked the quality to trouble the Blues, who had lost their last three games without scoring a goal.

But strikes from Havertz (16) and Mount (24) before James’ injury had put Chelsea in a commanding position and they were able to see out the win to relieve the pressure on Potter and close the gap on fourth-placed Tottenham to six points, with a game in hand.

More to follow…

What’s next?

Chelsea’s next fixture is away to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday, live on Sky Sports – kick-off 4.30pm.

Sunday 1st January 4:00pm


Kick off 4:30pm

The Blues then travel to Manchester City on Thursday, January 5 for another Premier League clash – also live on Sky Sports – with kick-off at 8pm.

Thursday 5th January 6:30pm


Kick off 8:00pm

Bournemouth’s next task is a home Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace on Saturday – kick-off at 3pm. The Cherries then travel to Manchester United for their next league game on Tuesday – kick-off 8pm.