Chelsea player ratings: Who impressed against Bournemouth?

Michy Batshuayi had been expected to stand in for Costa but the £33million striker, who has made only three starts this term, all in the EFL Cup, was overlooked and instead Pedro came into the team.

Costa and Kanté were suspended after incurring their fifth yellow cards of the season against Crystal Palace.

Wing-backs Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso positioned themselves high up the field and hugged their respective touchlines, a move which allowed Willian and Pedro to drift infield and combine with Hazard in central areas.

“I’m pleased for their performances. Because now, every team wants to beat you”. “It’s not important where you stay but it’s important to stay together”. No, no. This player is a new player for Chelsea. We proved that a year ago by defeating Chelsea and Manchester United in a short period of time.

“It’s important to be focused and win”.

And Eden Hazard scored his 50th Premier League to double their advantage from the penalty spot in the 49th minute after the Belgian was fouled by Bournemouth’s Simon Francis.

The Blues were very well off the mark winning the game 3-0 through a brace from Pedro and a penalty-goal by man of the match Eden Hazard.

Above all, he’s a younger player. “We are working a lot with him on tactical aspects but he’s showing great commitment, great work-rate during the training sessions and great passion. He is a really good guy”.

With these 12 wins in a row we took 36 points and our table is fantastic now. “On the ball we gave them too many times to get in those situations, by not being tight enough on the ball and good enough on the ball in certain situations”. I can count on all my players in the squad. But it’s not easy.

Conte isn’t anxious about the upcoming challenge either, seeing it is as chance to prove themselves: “It is a good test for us to play this game without two players very important for this team, and for this reason it is important to evaluate the group situation”.

‘The record is not important if you don’t reach something at the end.

As for signings during the transfer window, Conte remained tight-lipped.

Earlier this month, Cherries revealed plans to seek an alternative venue, something Howe thinks may help change people’s perceptions of the club.