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Bournemouth fitness key to success, says winger Matt Ritchie

Cherries continue to prove their doubters wrong despite injury crisis

Wednesday 09 December 2015 13:08 GMT

Bournemouth have covered the most ground this season in the Premier League. (Getty Images)

Bournemouth winger Matt Ritchie believes Eddie Howe’s squad are benefitting from being among the fittest teams in the Premier League.

The Cherries climbed out of the relegation zone after the 1-0 victory against Chelsea last weekend and have covered more ground than any other side in the division.

Under the guidance of Howe, the recently-promoted Championship champions have become characterised by their endeavour and raw power.

Despite suffering injuries to Sylvain Distin, Adam Federici, Lee Tomlin, Marc Pugh, Christian Atsu, Callum Wilson, Tom Elphick, Tyrone Mings and Max Gradel, they are keeping their head above the water.

“I think we have all really upped our fitness since last season,” Ritchie told the BBC.

“It is not that we were not fit last season because we were probably one of the fittest in the league, but you get that little bit more rest in the Premier League and I think it shows.

“We do not often look like we are getting outmuscled or bullied so that is a good sign.”

Midfielder Andrew Surman, formerly of Norwich City, has run a total of 183.54km; the furthest of any player in the entirety of the top flight.

Chelsea player ratings vs Bournemouth

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1/12Chelsea player ratings vs Bournemouth

Chelsea player ratings vs Bournemouth

Thibaut Courtois - 6 out of 10

For most of the game, he proved just why Mourinho said Chelsea have sorely missed him these last three months. The Belgian returned from injury to make multiple saves and deny Bournemouth as the visitors dominated the play in the first half and looked assured and confident in goal. But he has to take a lot of the blame for Bournemouth's winner after deciding to come out and being left stranded.

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Chelsea player ratings vs Bournemouth

Branislav Ivanovic - 5 out of 10

Struggled to deal with the pace of Stanislas on the right flank early on, with the Bournemouth winger nearly scoring twice in the first period. Contained him as the game progressed and then began to push forwards - nearly creating a goal in the process. However, he didn't do enough to stop Cook from crossing in the ball from which Murray scored.

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Chelsea player ratings vs Bournemouth

Gary Cahill - 6 out of 10

Was forced to produce some last-ditch defending to deny Bournemouth in the first half, and regularly came out of position to try and clear the danger. But should have done more to follow the run of Murray or at least communicate better with Zouma to ensure he was marked in the build-up to the winner.

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Chelsea player ratings vs Bournemouth

Kurt Zouma - 6 out of 10

Didn't have the best of games and failed to mark Murray before he scored although his pace was important in tracking back and defending when the visitors went on the counter.

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Chelsea player ratings vs Bournemouth

Bab Rahman - 6 out of 10

Did well, as ever, going forwards and contributing to Chelsea's attacking play but left spaces behind that Smith and Ritchie exploited, particularly in the first half. Will need to work on that area of his game if he wants to cement his spot in Mourinho's team.

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Chelsea player ratings vs Bournemouth

Nemanja Matic - 5 out of 10

Really struggled to impose himself in midfield and allowed the likes of Surman, Arter and Gosling to run riot early on. Should have headed in the opener later, but didn't seem ready for Willian's cross and ended up directing the ball high.

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Chelsea player ratings vs Bournemouth

Cesc Fabregas - 4 out of 10

Failed to control proceedings in the middle of the park and made a hash of an early chance when he kicked the ball out instead of to one of his teammates in the box. His struggles this season continue.

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Chelsea player ratings vs Bournemouth

Willian - 6 out of 10

Started the game on the right flank but was shifted into the hole behind Costa at half time. Proved a threat at times, but didn't have the kind of impact he has had in previous games.

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Chelsea player ratings vs Bournemouth

Oscar - 5 out of 10

Endured a largely disappointing 45 minutes after tamely driving Hazard's cross at goal towards Boruc and then seeing his best effort saved by the Bournemouth goalkeeper minutes later. Despite growing into the game as it progressed, he was brought off for Costa at half time.

Chelsea player ratings vs Bournemouth

Eden Hazard - 6 out of 10

Worked really hard to get forward and try and create goal-scoring opportunities - coming close to scoring on several occasions - while setting up Hazard for a superb chance. Tracked back and defended too, which earned him a yellow card.

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Chelsea player ratings vs Bournemouth

Eden Hazard - 6 out of 10

Didn't have the same impact up front in the lone striker position as he did against Tottenham. While he certainly tried to score - forcing Boruc into a superb save after he had cut in and driven at goal - he kept dropping onto the flank or deep to collect the ball leaving a gap up front. Saw his effectiveness wane when Costa came on, but Mourinho will be pleased to see the Belgian contributing to Chelsea's defensive play, although he was dispossessed which nearly resulted in Bournemouth scoring.

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Chelsea player ratings vs Bournemouth

<b>Best off the bench:</b> Diego Costa - 6 out of 10

Was kept on the bench, similar to against Tottenham, but was brought on at half-time to replace the ineffective Oscar. Was denied a penalty when his low shot hit Francis' arm in the area, and then was cautioned seconds later for a pull on Ritchie. Seemed to let his frustration get the better of him although he provided Chelsea with a more attacking threat up front.

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Howe heaped praise on his players' shoulders at Stamford Bridge following one of the biggest victories in the club's history.

“Hopefully there are more moments like that ahead of us,” he said.

“That's what we're hoping for this season; using this as a springboard to produce more magic days.

“We've had quite a few set backs and disappointments and that's why the players deserve all the credit for this moment.

“It's a reward for all their hard work and dedication but we have more work to do.”

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