A. Semenyo Key Role Earns AFC Bournemouth a Chaotic 2-2 Draw at Chelsea.
The forward completed the full game while his counterpart was withdrawn after the hour mark.
Match Summary
Antoine Semenyo's long throws created goals for David Brooks and Justin Kluivert.
Chelsea's goals came from Palmer and Fernandez during a chaotic opening 45 minutes.
The second half's clearest chance fell to Fernandez, who failed to convert.
In the midst of advanced transfer talks, Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo delivered a mixed performance, setting up two goals and giving away a spot-kick in a thrilling draw with Chelsea.
Despite being on the verge of a lucrative switch, the 25-year-old attacker started for his club. He utilized his long throw expertise to great effect, creating scoring opportunities that were finished by Brooks and Kluivert.
The deadlock was broken early when Semenyo's first long throw caused havoc, allowing Brooks to score from close range in the sixth minute.
Chelsea responded and then took the lead after Semenyo fouled Estevao Willian inside the penalty area. Referee Sam Barrott pointed to the spot after consulting the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) monitor.
Cole Palmer stepped up and converted the penalty, finding the corner despite the goalkeeper guessing correctly. Fernandez made it 2-1 with a stunning strike into the top corner midway through the first half.
Bournemouth hit back almost immediately, as another Semenyo long throw was turned in by Justin Kluivert from close range just four minutes later.
Chelsea created further opportunities, but Bournemouth ended the first half strongly, testing goalkeeper Robert Sanchez with numerous attempts.
The home side's boss reshuffled his team at the break, bringing on James and Neto for Acheampong and Garnacho.
Early in the second half, a handball appeal against Malo Gusto was dismissed by the VAR official. Petrovic, once of Chelsea, made a fantastic stop to keep out Estevao's powerful drive from the edge of the area.
The best chance of the second half fell to Enzo Fernandez in the 77th minute, but he blazed his shot over the bar from inside the box.
Moments earlier, Palmer was substituted for Joao Pedro, a change that was met with disapproval from some home supporters. Despite growing dominance in the latter stages, Chelsea could not find a decisive late goal.
Deep into added time, Unal connected with an Adli cross but sent his volley over the bar from a central position.
This draw extends Chelsea's poor run to only one win in their previous seven Premier League matches. Bournemouth's winless streak now stretches to ten matches across all competitions.
