Chelsea are back to winning ways in the Premier League after they avoided a fourth consecutive loss by defeating Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge, but it came at a cost. Already ransacked by injuries, with Wesley Fofana and Armando Broja both ruled out in preparation for the game, they had to watch Reece James go off once more.
The 23-year-old was making his first appearance since early October after missing most of Graham Potter's time in charge with a knee injury. His return was in anticipation of slowly building up fitness after the international break but his initial absence came through injury before being rested.
It was noticeable that Chelsea put the handbrake on somewhat after James went off, holding out for a 2-0 win courtesy of first half goals from Kai Havertz and Mason Mount. It has become the story of Chelsea and James in recent history. When the full-back plays they are balanced and often brilliant, without him, ideas dry up.
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The win did mean Chelsea gained on top four rivals Tottenham though, moving to within six points of Antonio Conte's side and with a game in hand too. Here's how the national media reacted to the victory:
Sam Dalling writes: "A home win in regulation this might have been. But this comfortable victory over Bournemouth was as welcome as it was necessary for Graham Potter. First-half goals from World Cup returnees Kai Havertz and Mason Mount made what could have been an awkward evening one of relief and, largely, satisfaction.
"The statistical gurus stroked their keyboards in anticipation, ready to pounce on any Chelsea mishap, which, given this fixture’s recent history, was a genuine concern. Chelsea will feel they ought to have added more gloss and the one blemish of the evening was a real kicker – early in the second half Reece James suffered what appeared to be a recurrence of the right-knee injury that caused him to miss Qatar.
"Up to that point, James’s every touch was cheered. And there were plenty of them, his combination with Raheem Sterling, who hugged the right touchline, was electric. Many present ought to have uttered the words “if only”.
"But with eyes elsewhere, James played a routine pass and then signalled immediately to the bench. A hush descended as James sat down, covering his face with his hands. Everyone knew what it meant. 'Reece James, he’s one of our own,' echoed down the Kings Road. The full-back at least headed down the tunnel unaided, but his expression was desolate."
Archie Griggs writes: "Chelsea boss Graham Potter remained coy when quizzed on the fitness of Reece James after the Blues defender hobbled off during Tuesday's win over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.
"The west Londoners went into the match chasing a much-needed victory after losing four of their last five league games and were duly rewarded with all three points thanks to two first-half goals from Kai Havertz and Mason Mount.
"The result was somewhat overshadowed by another potential injury to Reece James, who was selected to start for Chelsea for the first time since October after recovering from a knee injury that forced him to miss the World Cup with England.
"The 23-year-old quickly got up to speed and was one of his side's best performers in the opening 45 minutes but was ultimately forced to cut his evening short when he fell to the ground with a knock just after half-time."
Steve Sutcliffe writes: "Chelsea had come into the contest with question marks over their direction of travel under Potter after a damaging sequence of three consecutive top-flight defeats prior to the World Cup.
"However, they appeared galvanised and looked as though the opportunity to reset had worked in their favour.
"There was a notable fluency to their play, particularly via the combinations that Sterling, James, Mount and Italian playmaker Jorginho provided, while Havertz and Pulisic worked tirelessly up front to offer an outlet. And until he was forced off, everything that right-back James produced oozed class.
"His marauding runs down the right gave Chelsea an added dimension in attack, with only a good save from visiting goalkeeper Mark Travers denying him a goal just before the break."
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