Chelsea made the perfect start to the game, scoring inside of five minutes and then piled on the pressure, looking for a quick second.
But after João Pedro’s opener, we were not able to get beyond Burnley’s massed ranks and their willingness to throw bodies at shots. The visitors may have been behind, but they were happy enough to keep it that way, knowing that there was still plenty of game left to go.
Chelsea’s initial impetus started fading halfway through the period, and the first half would end
a much more even contest, though with the Blues maintaining our slim advantage into the break. Cole Palmer had a chance to double our lead, but otherwise, it was a cagey and rather dour affair.
A bit of renewed effort at the start of the second half saw us generate a few decent chances, but a penalty shout on Palmer was not given and then João Pedro went at it alone (and had his effort blocked) when perhaps Neto was more optimally placed.
Chelsea ramped up the pressure as we approached the hour-mark, but Palmer’s touch let him down when found in space in the box, and then JP headed just over from a corner after a slightly wishful penalty shout from Neto was also not given.
But then Wesley Fofana managed to get himself a second booking thanks to some overeager pressing, putting Chelsea at a numerical disadvantage for the remaining 20 or so minutes. The pattern of the game shifted a full 180 degrees at that point, with Chelsea sitting back and Burnley camping out in the attacking third.
Unfortunately, Chelsea were a lot less secure at this task than the visitors. Liam Rosenior threw on a couple defenders to try to see things out, but in the third minute of the six added on, Burnley would find the equalizer, finding an entirely unmarked player in the box on a corner.
Another two points dropped. Chelsea did have a chance to score at the end, but Delap blasted well over.
Carefree.
- Estêvão misses out due to a hamstring concern; hopefully nothing too serious
- JP sets a new mark for himself in the Premier League with his 11th of the season
- Sarr makes his Premier League debut
- Next up: Arsenal away, next weekend
- KTBFFH
