Bournemouth 2-2 Chelsea: The one where the Blues were desperate for the Cherries to stay up

Not all heroes wear capes

Chelsea were just five minutes away from allowing relegation threatened Bournemouth to do the double over them. While their away form since the turn of the year has left little to be desired this is not the sort of result for a side looking to solidify their Champions League place for next season.

Following the match, Frank Lampard chalked the result up to little more than a poor ten minute spell in the second half. Which is worrying that he seems to have completely forgotten how the game began.

The Blues were lucky not to concede an early goal with Willy Caballero forced into a save from Philip Billing. The keeper followed up his save with a little shout at his defenders. Bournemouth rightly sensed a lack of cohesion within their opponents and did their best to captilise.

It wasn't until mid-way through the first half that Chelsea did manage to find their feet. Mason Mount saw his effort saved by Aaron Ramsdale. While minutes later that handsome Frenchman Olivier Giroud struck the woodwork resulting in a lovely goal from one Marcos Alonso.

You're not Chelsea until you're in a face mask

It was the first time the Spanish defender scored in consecutive Premier League games. Chelsea continued to dominate the remainder of the first half, going in at the break with a slender one goal lead.

The visitors didn't seem to miss a beat as the second half began. With both Giroud and Reece James narrowly missing chances to double Chelsea's lead. In comes the '10 minute spell' that Lampard referenced.

Chelsea's biggest weakness throughout the season has been their ability to defend a set piece. Something Eddie Howe no doubt has noted. His Cherries equalised as Jefferson Lerma nodded in Ryan Fraser's corner.

It would have been a manageable setback had Josh King not scored a second just three minutes later. The weather, like moods, took a torrential turn and it very much looked like Bournemouth would have taken full points from Chelsea.

A frustrating afternoon

Olivier Giroud remained incredibly unlucky through 72 minutes but overall had another solid performance. He was replaced by Batshuayi who did manage to find the back of the net - but from an offside position. And also blocked a shot from Alonso. Which probably means that's the last time anyone will see him at Chelsea.

Pedro and Alonso linked up well throughout the game and it was their tenacity that saved Lampard's blushes as the defender scored his second goal of the game.

A frustrating day out for all involved. Next up - Liverpool in the cup. Easy, right?

jb xx

RESULT: Bournemouth 2-2 Chelsea

GOALS: Alonso 33, Lerma 54, King 57, Alonso 85

CHELSEA XI: Caballero, Alonso, Tomori (Willian 64), Christensen, Azpilicueta, James, Kovacic, Jorginho (Barkley 64), Pedro, Mount, Giroud (Batshuayi 72)

STAR MAN: Marcos Alonso