Chelsea got their Premier League season back up and running in the perfect way with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.
Kai Havertz gave the Blues the lead just after a quarter of an hour as he slid in to tap home a wonderful Raheem Sterling cross at close range. Mason Mount then doubled the lead with an excellent curling effort from the edge of the penalty area.
Christian Pulisic also had the ball in the net but saw his effort chalked off for a foul by Havertz in the build-up. Two was all that was required though as the Blues batted aside their visitors in West London.
Here are the talking points as the Blues move back up to eighth in the Premier League standings:
Chelsea enjoy rare fast start
One of Chelsea's main problems this season has been their inability to impose their style on their opponents. Ahead of their meeting with Bournemouth, the Blues had actually conceded the first goal in just under half of their league matches.
Whilst they were more often than not capable of finding a route back into matches, those slow starts were a source of frustration for Graham Potter and supporters. There was absolutely no evidence of that against the Cherries though.
From the first whistle, there was intent and immediate pressure about the Blues. The Londoners earned almost instant dividends through Havertz' early opener, with Mount then doubling the lead.
Surprisingly, it was the first time all season that the Blues had scored twice in the first-half of a Premier League game and it gave them a huge platform to go on and earn a straight-forward victory.
Who was your man-of-the-match in Chelsea's victory over Bournemouth? Have your say in the comments below
Mount proves worth to the Blues
Often this season, Mount's place in the Chelsea side has been called into question. The Blues' academy graduate had thus far failed to replicate the sparkling performances of previous seasons - a run that spilled over into the World Cup.
However, he silenced his doubters in emphatic style against Bournemouth. Picking up the perfect position to be on the end of Havertz's lay-off, the midfielder curled a wonderful effort into the bottom corner with his right foot.
The strike actually represented the first goal he has scored at Stamford Bridge all season so he will certainly be keen to notch a few more between now and the end of the season as he looks to re-establish himself as a key player in West London.
Reece James impresses on return but causes fresh worry
One man whose effectiveness has never been in doubt is Reece James and the England defender enjoyed a near seamless return to the Chelsea starting XI. The 23-year-old had missed the last six Premier League games and the World Cup with a knee injury but his progress does not appear to have been hampered.
James was his usual defensively solid self on the right-flank - albeit against an opponent that didn't cause him too many headaches. His presence was a huge benefit for the Blues going forwards too.
James' defensive awareness allowed Sterling to thrive down the right - the former Manchester City man expertly teeing up Havertz for the opener. The defender was also effective himself having been denied a goal by Travers in the Bournemouth net from a powerful effort.
Unfortunately, he was hauled off with just five minutes of the second-half with his head in his hands in what looks to be yet another injury concern.
Zakaria takes debut chance
Whilst James is an obvious inclusion on the Chelsea teamsheet - when he is fit - one man who hasn't managed to reach that stage yet is Denis Zakaria. Since his summer switch from Juventus, the Swiss midfielder has made just two appearances, neither of those coming in the Premier League.
It was a surprise then to see him handed a starting berth against Bournemouth. He suitably impressed though in what was a role just in front of the Chelsea backline.
His anticipation of danger and eye for a pass were both useful assets for the Blues, whilst he also allowed himself to venture forwards on a few occasions. Zakaria will certainly be hopeful of earning more opportunities in the continued absences of Mateo Kovacic and N'Golo Kante.
Bournemouth's new dawn condemned to false start
The Cherries' trip to Stamford Bridge actually represented a few sliding door moments for Bournemouth and their travelling fans. It was the first time that they had been in Premier League action since Bill Foley's takeover, as well as the permanent appointment of Gary O'Neil.
It did not quite go the way that either party will have wanted having slumped to a defeat and turned in a less than inspiring performance. The club's new owner - and indeed manager - will be optimistic of slightly easier evenings to come and will hope for better results as they continue establishing their respective visions at the Vitality Stadium.
