The reigning champions left Dean Court with all three points, with a solitary goal from Eden Hazard proving to be the difference between the two sides.
As things stand, Chelsea now sit at fourth place on the table, 9 points behind table toppers Manchester City. Bournemouth on the other hand, are languishing at 19th and are 2 points away from safety.
Despite Chelsea’s dominance for large parts of the game, they couldn’t capitalise on Hazard’s magic, making it a largely frustrating night for the fans.
Hazard opened the scoring for Chelsea with a slick finish in the 50th minute. The Belgian had a stunning first half, so it came as now surprise that he was the one to draw first blood.
That’s Eden Hazard’s 75th goal across all competitions for Chelsea. ?⚽
— Jake Cohen (@JakeFCohen) October 28, 2017
Eden Hazard created 6 chances in the first half, more than everyone else on the pitch combined (5) pic.twitter.com/ffxvixO97n
— Hazard Stuff (@HazardStuff_) October 28, 2017
Eden Hazard’s last two goals away from home for Chelsea:
• April 2017 vs. Bournemouth
• October 2017 vs. BournemouthCherry picked. ? pic.twitter.com/N57jjYOfxM
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 28, 2017
3 – Eden Hazard has netted 3 goals in his last 3 games for Chelsea in all competitions, as many as in his previous 17. Edge. pic.twitter.com/uuv59AIksT
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 28, 2017
Can we just take a moment to appreciate how good Hazard has actually been?
He’s destroying Bournemouth but teammates letting him down.
— Mod (@HazardChaos) October 28, 2017
Eden Hazard in the first half:
100% Dribble Success Rate
94.4% Pass Completion
1 Fouled
2 Chances Created
1 Long BallFlawless. pic.twitter.com/bcTaB3iFOu
— ?? (@FlicksLikeEden) October 28, 2017
Accurate representation of Eden Hazard doing all the work pic.twitter.com/3HFR3JKjPf
— CarefreeDaily ? (@CarefreeDaily) October 28, 2017
Hazard. isnt . Human
— King-David (@kolawolekingdav) October 28, 2017
That would eventually, prove the be the only goal of the game.
There were mixed reactions to Alvaro Morata’s performance. The Spaniard did get an assist, but failed to put away a number of chances.
Chelsea were fortunate Lukaku chose United over them, Morata offers so much more other than goals.
— . (@Kenidraj) October 28, 2017
morata unfortunate not to score, do many good chances
— Hazard FC (@__Morata__) October 28, 2017
Good win, Morata scoring would have made it better
— Lolu Adegite (@hovaslim) October 28, 2017
Alvaro Morata for Chelsea so far.
Games played : 10
Goals scored : 7
Assists : 3.— Nawaz. (@BlueNawaz) October 28, 2017
WILL MORATA STOP FALLING DOWN LIKE A LITTLE GIRL IN HEELS?
— Saurabh (@Contesque_) October 28, 2017
This is the most control Chelsea have had over a PL game since Everton at home. No goals though. Morata out of rhythm #cfc
— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) October 28, 2017
Going to be great when Morata comes off and Michy wins us the game again
— Yoghurt (@TheChelseaCunt) October 28, 2017
There were concerns over a Fabregas-Bakayoko midfield as well.
Fabregas is a huge problem for us. Off the ball he is an absolute nightmare. Not great on it today, either.
— Tarek El-Hawary (@iamtarek) October 28, 2017
Fabregas needs to be rested for next 2-3 games and Drinkwater should start alongside Kante and Baka ?
— Muhammad Ali Raja (@alifooty08) October 28, 2017
It’s us not taking chances & the poor form of Fabregas which is worrying. We need to try for a back up and get an extra MF or an attacker.
— KD (@Kamal__D) October 28, 2017
Bakayoko and Kante then , I don’t really want Fabregas to start anymore at least for now https://t.co/UFzN4Cdi6G
— New School Fuji Boy (@SKILLOJACSON) October 28, 2017
Dear god I’m actually seeing smoke over Fabregas’ head please drop him and let him live out a natural lifespan
— Dial T for Tobias (@DoYouEvenMikel) October 28, 2017
Fabregas didn’t do a lot wrong today. Not stand out but barely any errors swear you lot scape goat decent players
— Danny (@ffspugh) October 28, 2017
Chelsea’s front three looking lively but already reminders of how porous the Bakayoko/Fabregas midfield axis can be without the ball #cfc
— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) October 28, 2017