‘We deserved a lot more’ – Maresca frustrated as Chelsea’s winning streak continues after draw with Bournemouth

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was frustrated with his players after they dropped more points in the Premier League – this time against Bournemouth.

The Blues took the lead through Cole Palmer, who sold Mark Travers for a dummy before firing the ball into the net early on.

But the Cherries rallied and won a penalty after Moises Caicedo brought down Antoine Semenyo in the penalty area.

Justin Kluivert stepped up and fired his shot into the corner, causing Robert Sanchez to bounce the other way.

Semenyo was at it again 18 minutes later, dancing into the box before firing a shot into the top of the net.

Things fell silent at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea faced a shock defeat on home soil.

But Reece James – returning from injury – salvaged a point.

It ends right at the bridge.#CFC | #CHEBOU pic.twitter.com/5hZULVXJtF

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 14, 2025

The full-back converted a free kick in the final minutes to make it 2-2, although it was still not the result Chelsea would have wanted.

After the game, Maresca said: “I think we fully deserved to win the game in the first half. We should have scored three goals. When we conceded a goal in the second half, we lost. We deserved to win the game because we created so many chances.

“The first half was one of the best periods of the season. We were aggressive and created chances. We’re a bit unlucky when it comes to scoring goals. We miss and then we concede. We have to move on. The bad thing, as I said, is that we fall after the penalty and there is no reason to do that.

“The game was completely in our hands and we have to improve it.

“I always have concerns, even when we win games. This is the Premier League. If you don’t create chances and score goals, you have to worry more.”

Reece James opened up about his return in a heartwarming interview, admitting he had been waiting for his moment and that he was delighted to celebrate his return with a goal.

He said: “It was great to get the point and we should have lost sight of it but football is like that. If you don’t take advantage of your risk, it can come back and harm you.

“I am happy and honored to represent this team again and I am excited to be back to help the team. It was lonely and frustrating, but I’m really happy to be able to help the team again.

“When we played against top teams, we don’t shy away. We’ll look at it game by game and see where we end up at the end of the season.”