SOCCER: Chelsea pay the price for losing control again

LONDON – Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca has repeatedly stressed that his players need to learn how to control games. Judging from Tuesday’s chaotic 2-2 draw with Bournemouth in the Premier League, it appears they still have a lot to learn.

In a whirlwind first 27 minutes, Chelsea fell behind in the sixth minute to a David Brooks goal, then went 2-1 up through a Cole Palmer penalty and a strike by Enzo Fernandez, before Justin Kluivert capitalized on poor defending to level the score at 2-2.

Having surrendered a lead in a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa on Saturday—and previously allowing Brighton and Sunderland to come from behind to win at Stamford Bridge this season—the draw felt like another setback for Maresca’s squad.

Bournemouth, who have not won in the league since late October, scored both goals from long throw-ins that unsettled Chelsea’s defense. In the final moments, substitute Enes Unal missed a chance to win the match when he volleyed over the bar.

Chelsea have now won only once in their last seven league matches, a far cry from the excitement of their 3-0 victory over Barcelona in November, leaving them outside the top four Champions League positions.

The frustration among home fans was evident as Chelsea gained more control in the second half but struggled to create clear scoring opportunities. Maresca was met with loud boos when he substituted local hero Cole Palmer in the 63rd minute. He did not appear at the post-match press conference due to illness, leaving his deputy Willy Caballero to explain the team’s performance.

“We are creating chances, we are scoring goals—we are even opening the scoring sometimes, which is good—but we need to find a way to win these games and secure the points,” Caballero said.

Caballero added that Palmer was withdrawn to ensure a full recovery from a groin injury that had kept him out for weeks earlier this season. He also expressed frustration over referee Sam Barrott’s decision to show Moises Caicedo a yellow card in the fourth minute, which means Chelsea’s Ecuadorian midfielder will miss Sunday’s visit to second-placed Manchester City.

Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola said he was proud of his team, who had been thrashed 4-1 at Brentford on Saturday. He also addressed speculation that winger Antoine Semenyo had played his last game for the club. British media reported that Semenyo, who has scored nine league goals this season, is close to signing for Manchester City.

“It’s not his last game here with us,” Iraola said, turning his focus to Saturday’s visit by league leaders Arsenal. “I cannot say 100%, but I think he will play, yes.”

-Writing by William Schomberg; Editing by Ed Osmond/Reuters