Caicedo scores from halfway line as Chelsea sign off Premier League season with fifth straight win

Moises Caicedo scored from the halfway line as Chelsea confirmed European football for next season with a 2-1 victory against Bournemouth.

The win – Chelsea’s fifth on the bounce in the Premier League – means the club have signed off a first campaign under Mauricio Pochettino in style.

Chelsea started in the ascendancy and Cherries’ stopper Neto had to be alert to deny Nicholas Jackson early on.

The keeper was again to the fore on the 17th minute racing off his line to clear a ball intended for Raheem Sterling. The clearance landed at the feet of Caicedo, stationed just inside his own half. The Ecuadorian strode into Bournemouth territory before lobbing the keeper.

The second half started in frantic fashion with Sterling putting Chelsea two goals ahead before that was immediately cancelled out by a Bournemouth break resulting in a Benoit Badiashile own goal.

A brilliant Connor Gallagher block helped Chelsea see out the match and secure their fifth win on the bounce in the league and a spot in Europe next season.

Chelsea continue newfound form and claim European football. Five wins in a row have confirmed Chelsea’s European status for next season. They will play in the Europa Conference League and the rebuild under Pochettino continues to flourish with Cole Palmer at the fore.

The Englishman finished his fine season with a stellar performance demonstrating his skill and technique. His assist for Sterling was beautiful with pinpoint accuracy and he could have easily had two or three goals.

Chelsea: Petrovic 7, Chalobah 6, Silva 7, Badiashile 5, Cucurella 7, Caicedo 8, Gallagher 6, Madueke 6, Palmer 8, Sterling 7, Jackson 7. Subs Ugochukwu 6, Nkunku 6, Gusto, 5, Casadei 6.

Bournemouth: Neto 7, Aarons 6, Zabarnyi 5, Senesi 6, Kerkez 5, Cook 6, Christie 6, Semenyo 7, Kluivert 6, Tavernier 6, Unal 6. Subs: Ouattara 6, Scott 6, Billing 5, Kelly 5, Solanke 6.

17’ Goal! Chelsea 1 – 0 Bournemouth (Caicedo): Caicedo scores an incredible goal from the half way line after a Neto mistake

48’ Goal! Chelsea 2 – 0 Bournemouth (Sterling): A fast start to the second half as Sterling breaks down the left and squeezes the ball under Neto

49’ Goal! Chelsea 2 – 1 Bournemouth (Badiashile OG): Chelsea’s two-goal lead is instantly cut in half as Unal’s shot is bundled in by Badiashile

90 + 3 Huge Chance!: Bournemouth should be level as Ouattara has his shot saved by Petrovic and the follow up shot is incredibly blocked by Gallagher who saves two points for Chelsea