Chelsea 2-0 Bournemouth: The one that wasn't on Boxing Day

Mason Mount making it look easy

As kick-off edged closer on Tuesday afternoon I was filled with a mixture of both excitement and sheer dread. With the World Cup breaking up the season it had been weeks seeing Chelsea in action. With the form they were in and injuries that had accumulated - the shocking backhanded decision by FIFA to hold this farce was probably for the best. It gave Graham Potter the opportunity to properly work with his inherited players - at least the ones who didn't jet off to Qatar.

The Blues have not had the best record against Bournemouth in recent times. In fact, they've managed just two wins in their last six meetings. Both victories were spear headed by Eden Hazard who has yet to be replaced in this squad. He has little magical boots that need filled before the team an truly push on and compete on all fronts again.

Chelsea did the unthinkable in their mid-week clash --ood e they scored early. It took just 16 minutes for Raheem Sterling to pick out a marauding Kai Havertz. And another eight minutes for the German to set one up himself as Mason Mount took his chance and doubled the lead. It is the first time Chelsea have scored two goals in the opening 45 minutes of a Premier League match since April -- and that was in a 4-2 defeat to Arsenal.

With the victory - it means Chelsea keep their place of eighth in the table and are now level on points with Potter's former flock of seagulls and six points off a place in the top four. Although it would be prudent to remember that despite the time of year, it's not quite half way through this topsy turvy season. So a lot of football is still to be played.

What can Chelsea take from this match?

Not Reece James. 

The Blues' star boy is crocked once again. His involvement in the first half was key to a bright start overall. Chelsea just look miles better with him on the pitch than without. Something we all witnessed in the lead up to aforementioned FIFA moneymaker. He is key to this side and there was a serious drop off in momentum when he limped off after re-aggravating his problematic knee. The good news is it is not as serious as first thought. The bad news is that he will be on the sidelines for the next 3-4 weeks, where the team face Manchester City twice and a newly re-invigorated Liverpool side. 

Transfer Window Bonanza

The most recent setback could see Chelsea focus their attentions on a backup for James. Their problem will be convincing someone who's good enough to fill the giant gap he leaves - but one who'll be content as a squad man when the gaffer tape on that dodgy knee holds up. Celtic's Josip Juranovic is the name being bandied about on social media - but as things stand, the club have yet to make a formal approach. No doubt it won't be the only position that Todd and Co. will be looking to fill come January 1st.

Living his best life in Qatar

Kai Havertz took that World Cup Man of the Match award personally

While everyone was busy talking about the photograph of Lionel Messi lifting the World Cup shrouded in a bisht, the real picture of the tournament was Chelsea's very own German holding his man of the match award following a late victory against Costa Rica. Havertz came off the bench to score the two winning goals - only to see his side eliminated. No one has ever looked so furious at receiving an award - it edges on mugshot territory. He returned to London and reportedly netted a hat-trick in a behind-closed-doors friendly against neighbours Brentford. And he's managed to keep things going with a top performance this week with both a goal and an assist, despite returning to the false nine role. Worthy of another man of the match award.

Mason Mount continues to make 'fans' look stupid

I have never understood the social media led angst over Mason Mount's inclusion in any team - especially those purporting to be Chelsea fans. There are a lot of bad football takes out there - this has to be one of the worst. There is never a moment he doesn't give his all on the pitch whether it be for England or Chelsea. He's been forced into a number of different roles and is always striving to improve. For years, Chelsea fans called out for a academy stars to be given a chance, he's taken it and run with it -- and gets bizarrely abused. Give over already - he's a top player who's only getting better and showed exactly what he brings to the team this week with his tireless performances. With his strike he now has 51 goal contributions in the Premier League (27 goals and 24 assists). The only other Chelsea player to manage that before the age of 25 was Eden Hazard.

Risk vs Reward at the back

It's difficult to question the team selection when it comes to the defensive line when you come away with a clean sheet - but here we are. While some have questioned the decision to risk James, I don't think he would have played on well into the second half had he or the medical team had real concerns about his knee holding up. My bigger concern was the centre back pairing. Kalidou Koulibaly has had his moments both good and bad this season. I can't say I'm sold on him and his rumoured summer departure won't really be the blow some may think it is. More worrying is Thiago Silva soldiering on for the entire match. He's obviously Chelsea's best defender. However, within minutes of the game starting he was clearly struggling with some mild injury - or tightness in his hamstring. It never really worked itself out as the game went on. Combine that with the fact he'd pushed for this move to win World Cup with Brazil - which they distinctly did not do. And that he played all of their matches - the boss will need a way to manage his 38-year-old body throughout the season. Discussions need to be had as his continued fitness will be key to Chelsea holding onto European football for next season.

Next up a trip to the City Ground. 

jb x

RESULT: Chelsea 2-0 Bournemouth

GOALS: Havertz 16', Mount 24'

CHELSEA XI: Kepa, James (Azpilicueta 53'), Koulibaly, Thiago Silva, Cucurella, Zakaria (Gallagher 82'), Jorginho, Mount, Sterling (Chalobah 88'), Havertz, Pulisic (Aubameyang 82')

STAR MAN: Kai Havertz