Bournemouth v Chelsea player ratings

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Chelsea earned a well-deserved victory against Bournemouth thanks to Eden Hazard’s second-half strike. Here’s how we rated each Blues player in the 1-0 win at the Vitality Stadium.

Thibaut Courtois: 6

The Belgian did not have a save to make until second-half injury-time, but showed good positional sense and concentration levels to thwart Steve Cook.

Antonio Rudiger: 8

Rudiger retained his place after scoring during an impressive performance in the Carabao Cup in midweek and was assured on the ball as well in his defensive work.

David Luiz: 6

The Brazilian made a vital block in the first half during a rare Bournemouth attack and was excellent on the ball, but a couple of rash moments could easily have led to goals.

Cesar Azpilicueta: 8

Marginally Chelsea’s standout defender in an impressive team performance, Azpilicueta made a couple of crucial goal-saving blocks and organised those around him with typical calmness.

Davide Zappacosta: 7

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Zappacosta was steady in defence and quick to pile forward whenever he could. But he attacked with common sense and never left the defence exposed.

Tiemoue Bakayoko: 7

The Frenchman had a much-improved display after a dismal showing against Watford. He was disciplined and retained his shape, but is still guilty of dithering in possession and giving the ball away too cheaply.

Cesc Fabregas: 7

Fabregas was typically composed with the ball at his feet and impressed with his workrate in defence. He was perhaps guilty of being overly casual with two of the three chances that came his way.

Marcos Alonso: 7

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He was solid and slightly cautious to over-commit in attack, but rarely surrendered possession and gave good support to Eden Hazard.

Pedro: 7

Pedro was lively and dangerous and always threatening. He blazed one effort over the bar after making the chance himself and was always involved.

Eden Hazard: 8

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Sharp, bright and strong in possession, Hazard was behind most of Chelsea’s work and it was fitting he scored the winner. He was always demanding possession and withstood a couple of heavy challenges.

Alvaro Morata: 7

Morata could easily have left the field at half-time with a first-half hat-trick, missing two good chances and having an effort disallowed for offside that was marginal. He did superbly well to set up the winner after the break, showing great strength and awareness.

Danny Drinkwater: 6

Came in with just over ten minutes to go to help earn the win, and played his part.

Michy Batshuayi: 6

Shot wildly over the bar with one terrible attempt but did some good defensive work to ensure Chelsea held on.