London, Feb. 1 (IANS): English Premier League defending champions Chelsea lost 0-3 to modest Bournemouth, much to the disgust of the more than 40,000 Blues supporters packed into Stamford Bridge.
The Chelsea faithful suffered through a dull first half that also saw promising recent addition Andreas Christensen leave the pitch with an injury on Wednesday, reports Efe.
And things got worse in the second half, as Bournemouth scored three goals in a little more than 15 minutes.
The first came in the 51st minute, when Jordan Ibe exploited a Chelsea giveaway to release Callum Wilson, who slid the ball under goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to make it 1-0 for the visitors.
Thirteen minutes later, Junior Stanislas doubled the Bournemouth lead with an assist from Ibe. The final blow came in the 67th minute on a deflection by former Blue Nathan Ake.
Chelsea are tied with Liverpool on points at 50, but the Reds sit in third place by virtue of goal difference. Bournemouth are 10th, with 28 points from 25 matches.
Chelsea giving their best – Conte
Despite their 0-3 loss against Bournemouth at the Stamford Bridge here, Chelsea coach Antonio Conte said the club is giving their cent percent and he is helping them give their best.
The London club were thrashed at home in the English Premier League (EPL) tie on Wednesday. However, Conte said if someone questions his commitment to the club, he is not ready to accept it because he is doing a ‘great job’.
“We are doing everything and giving 120 per cent, and I am approaching this squad at their maximum level,” Conte was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
“But if someone does not agree that I am here then you have to accept every situation. I am relaxed about this because I know I am doing a great job.
“I think about the pressure and it is normal for a coach and manager. It is normal if you are Chelsea’s coach,” the Italian added.
