For the first time since their opening game against Crystal Palace this season, Chelsea were unable to register a goal in the scoresheet during their away visit to Bournemouth which resulted in a goalless draw as the Blues looked really pale during the course of the game.

Bournemouth started the game on a high and put the ball in the back of the net during the fourth minute of the game but fortunately for Chelsea it was called offside by a VAR review. The Blues goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was called into action quite a few times as Bournemouth looked the better team in the first half.

Enzo Maresca made a lot of changes in his starting eleven after their defeat to Leeds last Wednesday as he fielded a frontline consisting of Liam Delap, Alejandro Garnacho, Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto.

Palmer's inclusion in the starting lineup was a big positive for the Blues but the England international clearly looked out of form as he was taken off during the 58th minute as he was seemingly not ready yet for the full 90 minutes.

At a time when the team is struggling to find the back of the net, Chelsea were handed another significant blow as their number nine, Liam Delap had to be taken off in the 30th minute due to a shoulder injury picked up during a set piece where he got bundled by the Bournemouth defence.

Delap made his return to full fitness after being sidelined for two months due to hamstring injury which he picked up during the Blues' 2-0 victory over Fulham in August.

When asked about the extent of the injury during the post match press conference, the Manager replied saying, "Unfortunately he has already been out for two months and he has to be out again. We don't know for how long, but it looks quite bad, his shoulder."

He also added, "He has been unlucky, We are also a bit unlucky because we need that kind of a No.9."

Wether Marc Guiu or Joao Pedro will start the next game for Chelsea is still to be seen as the former was brought on in place of an injured Delap Yesterday.

Although the Blues have managed to stay in the top four for now, only one point seperates them from fifth placed Everton as a result Maresca would need to find a solution to their recent lack of form and be ready in time for an all important Champions league clash against Atalanta this Tuesday.