Chelsea 2-2 AFC Bournemouth: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Ladbrokes’ post-match review of Chelsea 2-2 AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Chelsea and AFC Bournemouth played out a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge. The visitors took an early lead when David Brooks scored in the 6th minute, but Chelsea responded with Cole Palmer converting a penalty in the 15th after a VAR check on Estêvão at 12’. Enzo Fernández then put Chelsea ahead in the 23rd, assisted by Alejandro Garnacho, only for Justin Kluivert to level things for Bournemouth in the 27th. Coming off a mixed run including a recent loss to Aston Villa and a goalless draw with Bournemouth earlier in the season, Chelsea looked to build momentum but couldn’t hold onto their advantage.

The second half saw Chelsea make changes at the break with Reece James replacing Josh Acheampong and Pedro Neto coming on for Alejandro Garnacho, while Bournemouth held firm until late substitutions. Moisés Caicedo picked up an early yellow for Chelsea in the 4th, and Marcus Tavernier was booked for Bournemouth in the 84th, but neither side could find a winner despite Chelsea’s dominance. Bournemouth, who have drawn their last five league games including this one and a wild 4-4 with Manchester United, will be pleased with a point away from home against a Chelsea side chasing European spots.

Chelsea controlled the game with 67% possession and racked up 12 corners compared to Bournemouth’s three, showing they dictated play and created more set-piece opportunities. Despite similar successful dribbles at around 48 each, Chelsea’s single assist and penalty taken highlighted their edge in converting chances, while Bournemouth relied on quick breaks to stay competitive. Both teams saw one yellow card apiece with no reds, keeping things even on discipline, and Chelsea used all five substitutions – including early second-half switches like Reece James for Josh Acheampong and Pedro Neto for Alejandro Garnacho – compared to Bournemouth’s three, which came later like Amine Adli for David Brooks at 78’.

The lack of injury-time goals or further assists underlined a match where early scoring bursts weren’t matched later on, with Chelsea’s higher sub count perhaps reflecting efforts to chase a win that never came.

The game burst into life early with David Brooks giving Bournemouth the lead in the 6th minute, but Chelsea turned it around quickly after a VAR review on Estêvão at 12’ led to Cole Palmer’s penalty goal in the 15th. Enzo Fernández then scored Chelsea’s second in the 23rd, assisted by Alejandro Garnacho, before Justin Kluivert equalised for Bournemouth in the 27th to make it 2-2. Moisés Caicedo earned Chelsea’s yellow card in the 4th, likely for a robust challenge, while Marcus Tavernier’s booking came in the 84th amid late pressure.

Substitutions played a role in shifting momentum, with Chelsea bringing on Reece James and Pedro Neto at half-time for Josh Acheampong and Alejandro Garnacho respectively, and later João Pedro replacing Cole Palmer at 63’. Bournemouth’s changes were more defensive, such as Amine Adli for David Brooks at 78’ and Enes Ünal for Evanilson at 82’, helping them hold on for the draw.

Chelsea lined up in a 4-2-3-1 shape, with Moisés Caicedo anchoring midfield where he picked up an early yellow, and Enzo Fernández pushing forward to score their second goal. Cole Palmer was key in attack, converting a penalty, while Alejandro Garnacho provided the assist for Fernández before being replaced by Pedro Neto at half-time. Estêvão featured in a VAR moment early on, and late subs like Andrey Santos for Liam Delap helped maintain their push.

AFC Bournemouth set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with David Brooks making an impact by scoring the opener before his substitution for Amine Adli late on, and Justin Kluivert grabbing the equaliser. Marcus Tavernier was involved in midfield, earning a yellow card towards the end, while Evanilson led the line until Enes Ünal replaced him. Adam Smith came on for Kluivert in stoppage time to shore up the defence.

David Brooks earned Ladbrokes’ Man of the Match award for his standout performance, netting Bournemouth’s opening goal in the 6th minute and creating one big chance alongside five key passes. Despite being substituted at 78’ for Amine Adli, his early strike set the tone and helped Bournemouth secure a valuable point away from home. Without any assists, his overall contribution in attack kept Chelsea on their toes throughout.

Recent Premier League matches:

• Draw: 2-2 vs AFC Bournemouth (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Aston Villa (H)
• Draw: 2-2 vs Newcastle United (A)
• Win: 2-0 vs Everton (H)
• Draw: 0-0 vs AFC Bournemouth (A)

Recent Premier League matches:

• Draw: 2-2 vs Chelsea (A)
• Loss: 1-4 vs Brentford (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Burnley (H)
• Draw: 4-4 vs Manchester United (A)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Chelsea (H)

Chelsea have just drawn 2-2 at home to AFC Bournemouth, leaving them in fifth place on 30 points as they chase European qualification amid a patchy run of form with only one win in their last five league games. Their next match is against Manchester City on 2026-01-04 at 17:30, with the opposition currently second on 40 points and looking strong at the top. A positive result could help Chelsea close the gap on the leaders and build confidence after recent draws and a loss.

AFC Bournemouth have just earned a 2-2 draw away to Chelsea, sitting 15th on 23 points and aiming to pull further from the relegation zone after drawing their last five league outings, including high-scoring ties like 4-4 with Manchester United. They face Arsenal next on 2026-01-03 at 17:30, with the opposition leading the table on 45 points and in top form. Picking up points here would be a boost for Bournemouth’s survival hopes against a tough opponent.

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