Without James on the field, Hislop thinks the side looks a lot less than it actually is. I think it's 1:14. The Blues returned from the World Cup break with a 2-0 victory against Bournemouth in their first match back. Kai Havertz converted from a perfectly weighted pass in the 16th minute to give the Blues the lead. The second goal was scored by Mason Mount. The two early goals decided the outcome of the game as the Blues put in a positive display that saw them move up a place to eighth on the table. After not scoring in the first half of any of their previous five games, it was only a matter of time before they scored again. Graham Potter was happy with the quality of the ball and the way his side pressed well. Even if they didn't score another goal, they dominated the second half and there was also defensive solidity. You can watch LaLiga, the Bundesliga and more on the US version of the network.
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The big worry was that the Blues sloppily conceded the ball in dangerous positions, which didn't prove costly, but will need to be cut out when they face Manchester City twice in January.
Potter would have liked a second-half goal to remove any doubt, with the set pieces often proving disappointing.
After the World Cup break, Potter's side looked well organised and he will likely be happy with their performance. The decision to play Denis Zakaria in the middle was a good one.
Kepa Arrizabalaga put in a decisive display, smashing the ball away following a poor pass back from Kalidou Koulibaly, changing things up as he was always composed with the ball at his feet. Jaidon Anthony's shot was gathered by the team.
Despite playing a poor pass that was cut out in his box, Thiago Silva was still able to move the ball well on his 100th appearance for the club. Got across well to stop Dominic Solanke, then cut out his cross.
He got away with two bad passes and put in some well- timed challenges. He came very close to getting a headbutt of his own, but he missed.
Cucurella overcooked an early free kick from a promising position but still showed plenty of quality on the ball. He did a great job of flicking the ball away from Jack in his own box.
Aftercuffed his early shot, he continued to get forward and provide real quality with his crossing. He had a good shot after beating Jordan.
Jorginho moved the ball well in the middle of the pitch while positioning himself well to regain possession after he played a nice pass to Mount.
Showed a lot of intelligence to pick up pockets of space and use them well. After releasing sterling in the build-up to the opener, he scored the second for the Blues and did a great job of keeping the move alive. A shot was saved after a burst forward.
Having to wait for his premier league debut but putting in a brilliant performance full of energy, putting in some great defensive work as he challenged Zemura in his own box He had several chances in the second half, but couldn't finish.
FW Kai Havertz got his goal after mistiming his head after a nice Cucurella cross. He looked strong while also providing quality, as was shown when he gave Mount a lay-off for his goal. Lloyd Kelly's shot was dragged wide.
After having his shirt tugged by Adam Smith, Christian Pulisic had a goal ruled out after Havertz was deemed to have committed a foul. After Travers saved James' shot, he hit a wild effort from a promising position in the second half.
There was a lot of energy and quality on the right and it was linked up well with James. Havertz scored the opener but was denied by a strong left hand from Mark Travers. Did a great job picking out Zakaria in the second half.
There were times when he struggled when Bournemouth ran at him, but he was comfortable in the backline. The cross was delivered in time for the chance. He used his experience to speed up the clock.
One nice ball was played but then another attempt was denied by Marcos Senesi.
After a great chance opened up for him, Kelly blocked his shot.
He smashed the ball clear to help see out the game.
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