Chelsea’s pursuit of a top-tier finish hit a significant roadblock as they squandered a lead to draw 1-1 against Burnley at Stamford Bridge.
While Liam Rosenior’s side technically climbed to fourth, the afternoon was marred by a lack of discipline and uncharacteristically poor displays from key personnel.
The match started brightly when Joao Pedro converted a low cross from Pedro Neto just four minutes in.
However, the momentum shifted midway through the second half when Wesley Fofana was dismissed for a second bookable offense.
Chelsea’s ten men were eventually breached in the 93rd minute when Zian Flemming headed home a James Ward-Prowse corner.
Chelsea Player Ratings
Robert Sanchez – 5
The goalkeeper had a relatively quiet afternoon with only routine work to deal with for the majority of the game. However, he failed to command his area or get a hand to Flemming’s late equalizer. He also picked up a booking for time-wasting as Chelsea tried to protect their slim lead.
Reece James – 6
A solid enough shift from the captain, who was proactive in reclaiming loose balls and providing an outlet down the right flank. He worked tirelessly until being replaced in the final moments as Chelsea reshuffled their tired backline.
Wesley Fofana – 3
A disastrous afternoon for the Frenchman. Despite looking composed in possession during the early stages, his lack of discipline proved fatal. After an earlier booking, he committed a reckless and unnecessary foul on James Ward-Prowse to earn a red card, leaving his teammates under immense pressure for the final twenty minutes.
Trevoh Chalobah – 7
Undoubtedly the standout performer in the defensive unit. Chalobah was dominant in individual duels, showing great strength to ensure Burnley’s attackers couldn’t gain a foothold. While the collective marking for the late corner was poor, his individual performance was high-level.
Malo Gusto – 5
Operating on the left, Gusto struggled to find his usual rhythm. He was adequate in defensive transitions but lacked precision in the final third. A notable moment of frustration came from a failed “no-look” cross that handed possession back to the visitors at a critical time.
Moises Caicedo – 7
The engine room’s most effective component today. Caicedo’s vision was on full display as he initiated the move for the opening goal with a pinpoint long pass. He led the team in interceptions and provided the necessary grit to midfield, even when the team was reduced to ten men.
Andrey Santos – 6
The Brazilian kept things simple and moved the ball efficiently. While he wasn’t the primary destroyer in midfield—a role left to Caicedo—he provided a steady presence until the match became a scrappy affair following the red card.
Cole Palmer – 5
A rare off-day for the talismanic Englishman. Palmer missed a golden opportunity to put the game to bed when he failed to convert a one-on-one. His afternoon ended prematurely on 74 minutes as he was sacrificed to bring on defensive cover following Fofana’s exit.
Enzo Fernandez – 4
This was arguably Fernandez’s most disappointing showing in a Chelsea shirt. Usually the team’s metronome, he was uncharacteristically sloppy, repeatedly gifting possession to Burnley and failing to dictate the tempo of the match.
Pedro Neto – 6
Neto provided the assist for the opening goal with a signature burst and cross. However, he found it difficult to replicate the heroics of his recent hat-trick against Hull, as Burnley’s defense doubled up on him to neutralize his threat for the remainder of the contest.
Joao Pedro – 7
The striker continued his clinical form, sliding in to notch his seventh goal in nine appearances. He was a constant nuisance for the Burnley center-backs and effectively linked play with his aerial ability before being substituted late on.
Subs:
Tosin Adarabioyo (Palmer, 74’) – 5
Brought on to shore up the defense after the red card. He was perhaps fortunate not to see a card himself after a heavy challenge on Flemming, and he was part of the defensive line that lost its concentration for the late equalizer.
Jorrel Hato (Gusto, 80’) – N/A
Liam Delap (Joao Pedro, 80’) – N/A
Mamadou Sarr (Neto, 88’) – N/A
Josh Acheampong (James, 89’) – N/A