Jabbing a finger into his own chest as he ran towards the travelling Chelsea supporters at the Vitality Stadium, Christopher Nkunku ’s energy in celebrating his winning goal over Bournemouth was as much angry defiance as pure jubilation.

Footballers are playing too many games and not enough is being done to protect them, according to Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has expressed his belief that players are offered no protection by the football calendar and added that players voicing their concerns over the number of games they play is "a good starting point.