Battered by Bayern Munich midweek, Chelsea had to bite down and bounce back against Bournemouth. A draw on the south coast dodged an unwelcome deed. Seeking a first Premier League double against Chelsea, Bournemouth would make do with a return of four points from two encounters. Both sides led, both had to settle for 2-2 and a share of the spoils. Harbouring contrasting targets, one would have been happier than the other. Where Chelsea could console themselves that Bayern are genuine Uefa Champions League contenders, their relegation-threatened rivals have proved a particular thorn in the side. Victory at the Vitality Stadium was beyond Frank Lampard’s men, a team typically ruthless on the road still without a win away in 2020. A point was not the response Lampard craved. Chelsea’s position as the final team in the table’s top four feels fragile once more. "We should win, we had many chances,” the manager said. “We had a bad 10-minute spell where they scored and that I don't like. I'm pleased with the character to get a draw, but we should win the game. "Against Bayern we conceded twice in a short space of time – it's not the first time. Could it be a lack of concentration? Possibly from the players. We should score more goals and then we don't have that problem. "We wanted to win, we should have won, but it's a difficult league. It's that cut-throat part of the season. If we keep having games like this and we are not clinical, it's tough. “The way the season has panned out, we should be pleased that we are fourth but it means nothing at this stage. If we manage to get in the top four the achievement is huge but we are a long way from that yet.” Chelsea had survived Bournemouth’s burst from the blocks – Philip Billing had two gilt-edged chances in the opening five minutes – to find their rhythm and forge in front. Not long after the half hour, Reece James’ cross was glanced onto the upright by Olivier Giroud, leaving Marcos Alonso to thrash home. It was full-back’s second goal in as many league matches. Then, in a spell spanning three minutes at the start of the second half, Bournemouth turned around the game. Jefferson Lerma out-jumped Mateo Kovacic – hardly a fare contest – to head home Ryan Fraser’s corner. Eddie Howe’s side had a 14th goal from a set-piece this season. They had two fewer from open play. Make that one. Before Chelsea could collect their thoughts, Jack Stacey’s low cross reached Joshua King at the back post, who tapped into an empty net. VAR was consulted, but unlike last time out against Burnley, Bournemouth could celebrate. Suddenly, a fourth win from 17 league fixtures, and a third consecutive home success, seemed possible. Yet, as Bournemouth tired, Chelsea turned the screw. Introduced moments before, substitute Michy Batshuayi scored almost with his first touch, although his strike was ruled out, correctly, for offside. In the Bournemouth goal, Aaron Ramsdale stood firm, buttressed by those in front. However, still they could not prevent the Chelsea equaliser five minutes from time. Ramsdale tried his darnedest, repelling brilliantly Pedro’s shot but helpless to Alonso’s headed rebound. Chelsea had recovered, from Bayern and at Bournemouth, yet it did not feel enough. Lampard labelled the defeat to the Germans a “reality check”. Bournemouth, who sit two spots above the relegation zone, supplied another dose of realism in the Londoners' chase for the Champions League. "It's a glass-half-full day," Howe said. "We were 1-0 down and it's hard to come back against these types of teams. We showed great spirit; we just couldn't carry on great starts to both halves. "I was very pleased with the response. We need to get points. We have lost some narrow games, so hopefully this is a turning point."
