Chelsea 2-2 AFC Bournemouth, Player Ratings: End of year Blues

1. ESTÊVÃO (8.1)

There was a bright spark to this game at times, certainly in the first half, and that spark was mostly thanks to young Estêvão, who started for the first time in nearly a month. He was instrumental in getting us back to level terms, winning the penalty that Cole Palmer converted, and generally posed a greater and more consistent threat than any of our other attackers.

The 18-year-old did seem to fade a bit as the game wore on, but it was a performance that certainly should warrant more frequent minutes in the second half of the season. He gets people out of their seats, and not many others can say that at the moment.

2. ROBERT SÁNCHEZ (6.8)

Another good performance from the man between the sticks, despite two more goals conceded. Sánchez has been facing, on average, more difficult shots than most goalkeepers in the league (0.34 PSxG/SoT), and making more saves than expected at the same time (PSxG+/-).

Meanwhile, one reason we’ve been so terrible at defending long throws is that it’s the set piece that relies least on goalkeeper input to defend. Sánchez is a force on corners and indirect free kicks, but long throws are usually aimed so that there’s no chance for him to intervene … until it’s too late.

3. REECE JAMES (6.4, sub)

Reece finished the calendar year strong, and as he reflected on social media, it’s been a positive 2025 for him, with success on the pitch and in his health. Long may they both continue!

vs. AFC BOURNEMOUTH (PL, H, D 2-2)

EXCEPTIONAL (8.5-9.5): —

EXCELLENT (7.5-8.4): Estêvão (8.1)

GOOD (6.5-7.4): Sánchez (6.8)

AVERAGE (5.5-6.4): James (6.4, sub), Palmer (6.3), Enzo (6.2), Fofana (6.0)

SUBPAR (4.5-5.4): Caicedo (5.4), Acheampong (5.3), Chalobah (5.3), Neto (5.2, sub), Santos (5.2, sub), Gusto (5.0), Gittens (5.0, sub), João Pedro (5.0, sub), Garnacho (4.7), Delap (4.7)

BAD (3.5-4.4): —

TERRIBLE (2.5-3.4): —

OVERALL