It was another disappointing outing for Chelsea as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Burnley in their own backyard. After a heavily contested first half, which saw all four goals scored within an exhilarating first 30 minutes of the match, the Blues kept pushing for that one goal in the second half. But Maurizio Sarri’s men were unable to breach the Burnley defence led by their captain and goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
Jeff Hendrick opened the scoring for his side with a strike that should be nominated for the goal of the season in the 8th minute of the match as the hosts faced an early setback. The Blues responded strongly as they came back in the game with two quick goals from N’Golo Kante and Gonzalo Higuain. That lead, however, did not last long as the Chelsea defence once again showed their incompetence to let Ashley Barnes get a free run at goal and score the equaliser for his side.
Here is how the Chelsea players were rated from their disappointing draw against Burnley.
Kepa Arrizabalaga: 6
Could do nothing to stop any of the goals scored by Burnley. Made sure that his distribution was top notch.
César Azpilicueta: 7
Made some excellent runs into the box and delivered some accurate passes as well with no one to capitalise on. His brilliant backheel to set up Higuain for the second goal for his side deserves appreciation. Took a few shots on the target as well but could not beat Heaton.
Andreas Christensen: 5
An off day at the office for the centre back as he made too many mistakes throughout the match. His faulty positioning allowed Barnes to get acres of space as he found the back of the net to snatch a point away for the visitors.
David Luiz: 6
Tried his level best to get the ball away from the danger area but did not get much support from his partner. Looked exhausted towards the end of the match.
Emerson Palmieri: 5.5
Kept going forward with the ball but lacked the end product. His backtracking, however, was completely faulty.
Jorginho: 5
Another disappointing night for the Italian as he failed to break down the opposition attacks in the midfield. Could not thread good passes as well.
N’Golo Kanté: 7
Worked diligently throughout the first half and scored the opening goal for his side with a sublime finish. Picked up an unfortunate injury in the process and was substituted at half time.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek: 6
Looked in good touch as he made inroads from time to time with his classy footwork. His shots, however, were way off target.
Callum Hudson-Odoi: 6
Tormented the Burnley defence with his dribbling until he was forced off the pitch with an injury to end a promising night in disappointment.
Eden Hazard: 7
Great linkup play to open up the opposition defence and create the opportunity for the first goal for Kante. Tried his best to get the winning goal for his side but it was not his night. It was actually a sedate performance from him in the second half.
Gonzalo Higuaín: 6
Finally ended his goal drought with a thunderous effort to find the back of the net with a little help from the crossbar. Looked out of touch in the second half and was substituted.
Substitutes
Pedro: 6
Did well after coming on early for Hudson-Odoi. Troubled the defenders but could not get the goal for his side.
Mateo Kovačić: 5
Nothing special from the Croatian in the midfield as he replaced Kante at the start of the second half. Got into an unnecessary altercation towards the end of the match with Westwood.
Olivier Giroud: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
