Raheem Sterling was one of Chelsea’s brightest performers in a routine win over Bournemouth
(Picture: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)Kai Havertz claimed a goal and an assist as Chelsea saw off Bournemouth 2-0 in their first Premier League clash since the World Cup.
Raheem Sterling laid on Havertz’s opener, before the Germany forward teed up Mason Mount for a sweet strike.
Chelsea ended a run of three straight defeats in a composed showing at Stamford Bridge, in a boost to manager Graham Potter.
Here, Nick Purewal rates the Chelsea performances...
Kepa Arrizabalaga 8
Produced at least two important second-half saves to keep a morale-boosting clean sheet for the Blues.
Reece James 8
Looked sharp and threatening on his return, only to trudge off with another knee-injury scare.
Thiago Silva 8
As effortless a top-class performance as ever from the 38-year-old Brazil stalwart.
Kalidou Koulibaly 7
A far steadier showing from the Senegal star, and would have capped a fine day in style had his header crept inside the post rather than bouncing just wide.
Marc Cucurella 7
Kept shape well enough and always looked to threaten on the attack.
Jorginho 7
An assured, calming performance from the Italy midfielder.
Denis Zakaria 8
An astute and all-action outing that will do the Switzerland midfielder no harm in proving again his ability to thrive at this level.
Mason Mount 8
His sweetly-struck goal put Chelsea in control and proved fair reward for just his latest performance of industry and ingenuity.
Raheem Sterling 8
The standing ovation he received when replaced late on said as much as his fist pump on assisting Havertz for the first goal. Sterling looked a man on a mission early on, and the England forward certainly proved a point.
Kai Havertz 9
The Germany forward has to be at Stamford Bridge to create goals and finish chances, whatever his myriad talents. Here, he did both.
Christian Pulisic 7
Threatened majorly on the run in the first half but still showed up well despite fading after the break
Subs
Cesar Azpilicueta (for James, 53’) 7
Tidy cameo from the club captain who had to step in when James picked up that injury scare.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (for Pulisic, 82’) 6
Had precious little chance to add tangible impact to proceedings.
Conor Gallagher (for Zakaria, 82’) 7
Put himself about as Chelsea held firm amid moderate Bournemouth pressure at the death.
Trevoh Chalobah (for Sterling, 88’) 7
Could count himself unlucky not to start given his form before the World Cup, but did not put a foot wrong in a short showing.
