Overview
November was clearly not an easy time for Bournemouth, as they failed to win any of their four Premier League games (D1 L3) and conceded 12 goals. More disappointingly, The Cherries were also came back from Sunderland to win 3-2 last weekend despite leading by 2 goals.
Entering December, the situation did not improve. Bournemouth started with a minimal 0-1 home defeat to Everton, when Jack Grealish's 78th-minute goal cost Andoni Iraola's side their first home defeat at Vitality this season.
After the match, Iraola frankly admitted that the team's "really poor" performance against Everton. He believes that the lack of energy - especially in midfield - is a key factor leading to a decline in form, with only 2 wins in the last 10 Premier League matches (4 draws, 4 losses).
That series of poor results also has a significant impact on Iraola's reputation. The Spaniard, whose contract expires next summer and has recently attracted the attention of many big teams in Europe, was forced to see Bournemouth drop from second place in the table to 14th.
Aiming to avoid a second consecutive home defeat for the first time since April, Bournemouth can be somewhat confident having earned 14/19 points in the Premier League this season at Vitality. However, they have won just twice in 11 home games against the Blues, with their most recent win coming in January 2019 (4-0).
Chelsea had one of their worst performances of the season in midweek, when they unexpectedly suffered a 1-3 defeat to Leeds United - a team struggling in the relegation race. This result dealt a heavy blow to the Blues' fragile hope in the Premier League title race.
Despite making 630 passes - their highest number in the Premier League this season - Chelsea have only created three notable chances, while playing with a lack of concentration in defense. Coach Enzo Maresca also had to admit after the match that Leeds - the team that lost 4 consecutive matches - was superior in every aspect.
Having been left behind by Arsenal with a gap of 9 points at the top of the table, Chelsea have previously handled quite well during the period without the main playmaker Cole Palmer, losing only 2 out of 16 matches in all competitions. However, Moises Caicedo's lack of 3 matches due to suspension could become a serious problem. Since the evasion midfielder arrived in 2023, Chelsea have won just two of their eight Premier League games without him.
With little time to regret, Chelsea have to immediately enter a busy schedule with 7 matches within 24 days to close out 2025, starting with a trip to Bournemouth. They will then travel to Italy to face Atalanta in the Champions League.
Despite losing to Leeds, Chelsea still maintained their second best away record in the Premier League this season. They have even won more away points (23) than at Stamford Bridge (11). The Blues are also unbeaten in their last four visits to Bournemouth (W2 D2), including a 1-0 win in September 2024.
The match between Bournemouth and Chelsea takes place at 22:00 on December 6 (Vietnam time).
