Chelsea 2-0 Bournemouth: Hits and Flops

Chelsea outclassed Bournemouth by 2-0 to make it four wins out of four in the Maurizio Sarri era. Goals from Pedro and Eden Hazard sealed the deal for the Blues. As envisaged by many, the home side began with bucket loads of possession but failed to establish a foothold in the game.

Alvaro Morata had two good chances in the first half along with Marcos Alonso, who struck the frame of the goal right on the brink of half-time. After the break too, the Pensioners recycled possession but couldn't find a breakthrough.

Sarri then introduced Giroud and Pedro, who had an impact on proceedings. The latter placed his left-footed shot to perfection to give his side the lead and score his third for the season. Eden Hazard then capped off a not-so-convincing victory for Chelsea.

Here are 5 players who endured the most contrasting of experiences:

#5 Best: Cesar Azpilicueta

Azpilicueta put in an all-around performance

The ever-so-reliable Cesar Azpilicueta did what he always does best - defended with alertness, sharpness and neatness.

First of all, he had his lines covered. The Spaniard man-marked the opposition players to near perfection, tidied up the loose balls and disallowed crosses into the box. Going forward, he enjoyed a lot of space as the Cherries had congested the central areas.

He put in crosses, passed around safely, linked up well with Willian, Pedro, Kovacic and Kante and created a few good opportunities. The captain couldn't go wrong in any aspect.

#4 Worst: David Luiz

Luiz needs to stop switching off

Take nothing away from David Luiz, who is a decorated world-class defender. He wins aerial duels, clears his lines, opts for the safer routes more often than not and is very good at playing the ball from the back.

However, his positional sense and lapse in concentration is a cause for concern for Sarri, who has chosen the Brazilian over the likes of Andreas Christensen and Gary Cahill in central defence.

Luiz has the tendency to lose focus and switch off, which was clearly seen on a couple of occasions against Bournemouth. Against the run of play, he let the opposition forward run right across him and stay clear on goal. Fortunately for Chelsea, Wilson didn't take his chance. He even invited Fraser once.

#3 Best: Joshua King

King played a good hand in Bournemouth's attacking contribution

The Cherries held a compact back-line and pressed hard on Chelsea in fits and starts. King was fantastic from that point of view, as he stole the ball from the blue shirts who were napping in possession. He also created openings for Fraser and Wilson upfront by interchanging quick passes, playing it in their path and trying to split the defence.

A few of his touches, flicks and passes were a treat to the eye. Although he had no real chance in front of goal, the forward never stopped running. He offered defensive cover and held the ball up safely.

Technically, Joshua King was absolutely magnificent.

#2 Worst: Diego Rico

That was not even close!

Eddie Howe had a couple of injury problems to address and he did so by handing first starts to both Deigo Rico and Jefferson Lerma - a statement of intent and confidence from Eddie Howe.

Diego Rico was more casual and careless than any other player on the pitch. He was beaten for skill and pace, not once but many a time. Be it Willian's drive, Azpilicueta's return pass, N'Golo Kante's energy or Eden Hazard's magic, Rico wasn't able to handle any of the above.

Also to mention, it never seemed like he would create something on the other end either, despite playing in a wing-back position. He was also out of position on few occasions, which caused further problems for the center-backs. Welcome to the Premier League!

#1 Best: Mateo Kovacic

Kovacic unleashed himself at the Bridge

Kovacic was a step ahead of everyone on the pitch. There was nothing he did not do well in his first start at Stamford Bridge.

The Real Madrid midfielder was exemplary in every single attribute a central midfielder must have. Starting off with his defensive involvement, the 24-year-old tracked back smartly, won the 50-50 challenges and intercepted a number of passes.

With the ball, he was just delightful. His link-up play with Hazard and Alonso down the left created a sense of confusion in the opposition's ranks. His touch, balance and sweet passing was the highlight of Chelsea's victory.

Despite being under pressure a number of times, due to his first touch and use of his body, the technically sound midfielder skipped away from challenges and kept hold of possession, if not carry the ball forward. Take a bow, Mateo Kovacic. You are a class act.