AFC Bournemouth: Three things we learned from the 4-1 defeat to Chelsea

NASTINESS WOULD STOP NICE GOALS…

Much of the talk before this match was about how Cherries needed to adapt against the big guns and so it proved.

Some of Chelsea’s play was a sight to behold with Cesc Fabregas pulling the strings. The finishing was equally impressive.

But questions have to asked about the space afforded the Spain international to wreak the kind of havoc he did at times.

On Match of the Day, Ruud Gullit cast doubt over his ability to do the same kind of damage against a team more intent on shackling him.

Cherries have now conceded 46 goals in 19 matches against teams currently in the top half of the Premier League – as many as bottom club Aston Villa.

… BUT THERE IS PROMISE AT THE OTHER END

Despite fielding names not necessarily shoo-ins for a starting place, Cherries looked good going forward.

Junior Stanislas’s contribution showed his mid-season form was no flash in the pan and while Lewis Grabban could not quite find his range, he got into some great positions to score. Joshua King is maturing nicely into a regular role.

Chances came and went but Cherries created openings for most of the afternoon. With more game time, those attacking options could flourish.

IT HAS BEEN A LONG, HARD SEASON

Nobody is keen to say it but Cherries expended so much energy in all but achieving safety that their A game is perhaps suffering now.

Playing the elite doesn’t help but after putting so much into pushing for an equaliser, the team looked tired in the final 20 minutes.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

The mutual respect between Simon Francis and Diego Costa after a crunching tackle was refreshing to see in an age of on-field histrionics.

Many could learn from their example.

MOAN OF THE MATCH

The final score was harsh, unfair even.

Still, Cherries would not expect it to be any other way. They can ill afford such profligacy at both ends.