Chelsea clinched a dramatic 1-0 away win against Bournemouth, thanks to a late goal from substitute Christopher Nkunku. The match, held at the Vitality Stadium, set a new Premier League record with a staggering 14 yellow cards issued throughout the game.
Bournemouth dominated the match with numerous chances. Their £40 million record signing, Evanilson, had a prime opportunity to score his first Premier League goal but saw his first-half penalty saved by Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez.
Despite their efforts, including shots from Marcus Tavernier and Ryan Christie that hit the woodwork, Bournemouth was unable to find the back of the net. Chelsea eventually capitalized on their chance when Nkunku finished a well-timed through-ball from debutant Jadon Sancho, slotting the ball past Bournemouth’s Mark Travers.
The match was characterized by intense and aggressive play, resulting in a record number of yellow cards. Referee Anthony Taylor issued 14 yellow cards—six to Bournemouth and eight to Chelsea—surpassing the previous record of 12 cards given in matches between Chelsea and Tottenham in 2016, and Wolves and Newcastle in 2010.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca commented on the record-setting number of yellow cards, saying, “It is not a problem for me with this amount of yellow cards. It is what it is. Sometimes the game demands the way you have to behave.”
With this victory, Chelsea moved up to seventh place in the Premier League standings. Their next match will be against West Ham at 12:30 BST next Saturday. Bournemouth, currently in 11th place, will travel to Liverpool for a 15:00 BST kick-off later that day.