Chelsea sealed a top-six finish in the Premier League, securing a Europa League place after beating Bournemouth 2-1 on the final day of the season.
Goals from Moises Caicedo and Raheem Sterling saw Chelsea end the campaign on a high, sealing a fifth consecutive league win.
Goal of the season contender
Chelsea took the lead in the 17th minute through Caicedo from long range. It was his only league goal of the season and his first since joining the Blues.
Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto came off his line to deal with a long ball, but his clearance found Caicedo after Conor Gallagher forced an error.
The 22-year-old took one touch and struck an effort from the half-way line that hit the back of the net. It was a goal of the season contender and a brilliant moment for a player who’s had a tough campaign. Caicedo was swamped by his teammates while celebrating the goal.
Bournemouth still posed a threat, hitting the woodwork through Ryan Christie, but the Blues went into the break with a slim lead. Chelsea would double their advantage immediately after the restart, however…
Chelsea have been in great form in 2024
Chelsea made it 2-0 in the 48th minute through Sterling. Cole Palmer fed a through ball to the 29-year-old down the left flank and he beat one player before slotting home. Sterling ran 20-30 yards with the ball and ghosted past Max Aarons before beating Neto. It was a brilliant solo effort but only Sterling’s second league goal since February.
Bournemouth didn’t give up and halved the deficit less than a minute after Sterling’s goal. Chelsea failed to deal with a cross and Antoine Semenyo found the ball at his feet in the area. He cut inside and hit an effort that Benoit Badiashile deflected into his own net.
Despite the Cherries’ fightback, Chelsea held on for the win. They finished 6th in the table and should have sealed Europa League football if Manchester United don’t win the FA Cup.
