Moises Caicedo showcased his remarkable talent with a stunning 50-yard strike that played a pivotal role in Chelsea securing sixth place in Thiago Silva’s final game for the club. Chelsea concluded their Premier League season on a high note, securing their fifth consecutive win with a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.

Caicedo’s incredible goal, his first for Chelsea, came in the 17th minute and set the tone for the match. Raheem Sterling extended their lead three minutes into the second half, providing the Blues with a comfortable cushion. However, Bournemouth quickly responded, with Enes Unal’s shot deflecting off Benoit Badiashile and into the net just a minute later, reducing the deficit.

Despite the Cherries’ commendable effort, Chelsea managed to hold on to their lead, ensuring their qualification for European competition. They are now set to participate in the Europa League, contingent on Manchester City’s outcome in the FA Cup final on May 25. The victory was a fitting farewell for Thiago Silva and a testament to the team’s resilience and quality, with Caicedo’s extraordinary goal highlighting a memorable end to their campaign.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Djordje Petrovic (7/10):

Made some important saves, especially late on, but if Chelsea want to reach the next level, they may need to buy an elite goalkeeper and the Serbia international isn’t quite that.

Trevoh Chalobah (8/10):

The Blues academy product looks comfortable at right-back, just as he has in the heart of his team’s defence in recent weeks. It would, perhaps, be wise to keep onto the 24-year-old for next season, particularly as he is very sound defensively.

Thiago Silva (8/10):

In his last game for Chelsea, the veteran defender led by example with an all-round, competent display in the Blues backline. The 39-year-old will be missed.

Benoit Badiashile (6/10):

Was a bit unlucky for Bournemouth’s goal, which deflected off him and past the helpless Petrovic, but he still doesn’t look completely comfortable at the back.

Marc Cucurella (6/10):

For the majority of the contest, he seemed to be inching closer to the form he showed at former team Brighton. The Spaniard drove forward on plenty of occasions and was neat and tidy on the ball but from 65 minutes or so, he was a bit sloppy in possession and played his team into trouble.

Midfield

Moises Caicedo (9/10):

Perhaps his best performance in a Chelsea shirt. While that may not be saying much, he was a force to be reckoned with in midfield; won his duels, was a physical presence, and scored one of the goals of the season. Limped off in the second half but displays like these are why Chelsea forked out £115 million ($145m) on him last year.

Conor Gallagher (7/10):

Has been one of Chelsea’s best players this season but the marauding captain seemed to be somewhat low on energy at times in this clash. Still, he has plenty of credit in the bank and the fans sang his name in appreciation of his efforts.

Cole Palmer (7/10):

Played in a more central role and while his movement and distribution to his team-mates was excellent at times, his decision-making in the final third was not as good as usual. But, he has still had a stunning breakout season.

Attack

Noni Madueke (7/10):

This is one player who is not short of confidence. Like many of his team-mates, he has come into his own of late, which his trickery and elusiveness proving a handful for teams.

Nicolas Jackson (8/10):

Deserved a goal for his industrious endeavours at Stamford Bridge. He made plenty of threatening runs and had a couple of decent efforts on goal. A much-derided player but one that has 17 goals to his name in all competitions.

Raheem Sterling (7/10):

Came in for the injured Mykhailo Mudryk and proved his worth with an enterprising, direct performance that yielded a welcome goal, too. The winger still has more to give for this side.

Subs & Manager

Christopher Nkunku (6/10):

Could, and perhaps should, have done better when set up well by Jackson in the game’s dying embers. Was quite quiet in his cameo.

Malo Gusto (7/10):

Looked sharp when he came on and nearly scored late on with a fierce drive at goalkeeper Neto.

Lesley Ugochukwu (6/10):

The youngster’s arrival, in place of Caicedo, gave Bournemouth more of an upper hand in midfield.

Cesare Casadei (7/10):

Made a couple of good tackles when introduced late on.

Mauricio Pochettino (7/10):

He has got Chelsea playing some good, attacking football these days. There is more cohesion about a side that has looked dysfunctional for long periods. His substitutions in this match were somewhat mixed, however.