Premier League 2018-19, Chelsea vs Bournemouth 2-0: 5 Talking Points

Chelsea may not look as impressive as their northern rivals or even Tottenham Hotspur, but they managed to overcome a dogged Bournemouth side and maintain their 100% record, thanks to second-half goals from Pedro and Eden Hazard.

The Blues created 1.16 xG to Bournemouth's.95 xG, per Understat.com, which means that this was hardly the performance of a team hoping to emerge as fringe contenders for the title.

With that being said, here are five talking points from Chelsea's 2-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday.

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#5 Eden Hazard turns it on in the second half

Chelsea will go as far as Eden Hazard can carry them

Even though Chelsea enjoyed more than 70% possession in the first half, they were unable to create any clear-cut chances barring a deflected Marcos Alonso shot that struck the post.

However, the Blues looked a much better proposition in the second period after Hazard started to attack Bournemouth's right-hand side and stretch the defence.

The Belgium international, who is still playing his way back to full match fitness despite notching two goals and two assists in four appearances, capped off his performance with a well-taken goal in the 85th minute.

Chelsea doesn't have anything resembling the firepower of Liverpool or Manchester City, but they will always believe they can win when Hazard is on the pitch.

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#2 It's time for Ruben Loftus-Cheek to start

Chelsea can't afford to keep neglecting Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Despite displaying promise in his three Chelsea appearances, Mateo Kovacic appears to lack the killer instinct required by a free eight in Sarri's system.

He's been tidy in possession, but the Croatia international has been unwilling pull the trigger on the killer pass or get beyond the forward line and into scoring positions.

Considering that Kovacic is equipped with an impressive skill set, he could eventually grow into his role at Stamford Bridge.

However, the former Inter Milan man will return to Real Madrid after his season-long loan, which means that it would be unwise for Chelsea to prioritise his development over homegrown Ruben Loftus-Cheek — who has all the makings of a superstar.

#3 Marcos Alonso continues to shine

Marcos Alonso is emerging as a key cog in Sarri's Chelsea

After Saturday's 2-0 win over Bournemouth, Sarri was full of praise for his Spanish left-back, who helped himself to another assist in an impressive performance.

"Alonso, at the moment, this position at left-back is maybe the best in Europe. [He has] Physical qualities at a top level, I think. He's doing very well in the offensive phase. But I also think he can improve in the defensive phase. If he improves that, he could be the best left-back in the world," said the former Napoli schemer.

While Sarri's comments contain more than a small dose of hyperbole, Alonso is still one of Chelsea's most potent offensive weapons — despite major questions marks over his defensive positioning.

#4 Is it the end of the road for David Luiz?

David Luiz's time as a starter is nearly done

David Luiz was the fourth-choice centre back for Antonio Conte last season, but he has found a spot in Sarri's starting eleven due to the Italian manager's predisposition towards defenders who are comfortable in possession.

However, while his range of passing makes it easier for Chelsea to build from the back, Luiz has been guilty of a number of errors this season. His lackadaisical marking allowed Callum Wilson to break free and nearly steer home a flighted cross from Diego Rico.

It's only a matter of time before the Champions League winner is replaced by Danish starlet Andreas Christensen.

#5 Alvaro Morata continues to frustrate

Alvaro Morata looks destined to follow in the footsteps of Fernando Torres, Mateja Kezman and Andriy Shevchenko

A reversal of fortunes was on the cards for Alvaro Morata after his sharp finish against Arsenal, but Chelsea's centre-forward severely disappointed in his subsequent outings against Newcastle and Bournemouth.

Morata was largely peripheral on Saturday, even though his side enjoyed 73% of the ball before making way for Olivier Giroud.

Chelsea's lack of a reliable goalscorer was one of the reasons why they didn't secure Champions League qualification last season, and Blues may need to buy a striker in January if they want to break into the top for and make a run at the Europa League.