Bournemouth Run Riot in Stamford Bridge

Bournemouth Run Riot in Stamford Bridge

Chelsea’s ponderous transfer window was ruthlessly exposed as a disjointed display enabled Bournemouth to record an emphatic 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge.

The defending Premier League champions toiled throughout January in their pursuit of a physical centre-forward to back-up Alvaro Morata with success finally achieved with the arrival of Olivier Giroud on Wednesday, hours before the deadline and too late for the former Arsenal man to be included here.

With Morata injured, Michy Batshuayi sent on loan to Borussia Dortmund and Giroud watching from the stands, Chelsea lacked an obvious focal point in attack. Pedro, Eden Hazard and Ross Barkley formed a hastily arranged front three, but it misfired horribly.

In stark contrast, the visitors were wonderfully fluent with Ryan Fraser, Jordon Ibe and Junior Stanislas’ direct approach causing Chelsea’s backline no end of problems.

Callum Wilson put Bournemouth ahead after 51 minutes before Stanislas and former Chelsea defender Nathan Ake also got in on the act to hand Antonio Conte’s men their third league defeat at Stamford Bridge this season.

Watch highlights below…