#2 Missed chances (and luck) prove to be a significant opportunity cost for Bournemouth
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Bournemouth started off brightly, going all out in attack and maintaining a high defensive line. Howe’s tactics almost yielded results in the opening minutes as the hosts’ pressing game put Luiz under pressure, requiring Thibaut Courtois to make a stunning save off the defender.
However, Ryan Fraser and Harry Arter sent their shots over the bar instead of capitalising on set pieces from well-placed areas. Benik Afobe was extremely unfortunate to see his shot ricochet off the post after leaving the Blues defenders in his wake.
Fortune, or the lack of it, also proved to be telling for the opening goal of the night as Smith came out of nowhere to slot it in for Chelsea.
Against an opponent as clinical and unforgiving as the Blues, Bournemouth could not afford any lapses at all; besides making errors, not finishing their chances proved costly for the hosts.
