Chelsea club captain Reece James made a dramatic return to Premier League action, scoring a stoppage-time equalizer to secure a draw against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.
James had been sidelined with hamstring problems for large chunks of the season.
The match off to a promising start for Chelsea, with Cole Palmer opening the scoring in the 13th minute. Palmer calmly slotted the ball past Bournemouth keeper Mark Travers, who had been wrong-footed by a clever faked shot.
Despite dominating the first half, Chelsea were unable to add to their lead, and Bournemouth were eventually gifted a way back into the match.
Bournemouth Hold Chelsea in Premier League Thriller
The Cherries were awarded a penalty after Moises Caicedo fouled Antoine Semenyo in the box, and Justin Kluivert made no mistake from the spot, beating Robert Sanchez to level the score.
Bournemouth were almost reduced to 10 men shortly after, but referee Rob Jones elected to book David Brooks for a late challenge on Marc Cucurella instead of issuing a red card.
The visitors then took the lead in the 68th minute through Semenyo’s fierce left-footed strike, which flashed past Sanchez and went in off the left post.
Bournemouth looked set for an impressive away win, but Chelsea refused to give up. James, who had come on as a substitute in the 56th minute, made his presence felt with a telling intervention in stoppage time.
With the clock ticking down, James curled in a low free-kick through a crowd of players and into the right corner, securing a draw for Chelsea.
The point keeps the Blues in fourth place in the Premier League table, 10 points behind leaders Liverpool whileBournemouth remain seventh, three points behind Chelsea.
James’ goal was a welcome return to form for the England international, who has missed 21 games this season due to injury.
He had played 45 minutes against Morecambe in the FA Cup on Saturday.
