Chelsea 1 Burnley 1

The Clarets defender rose to plant home a sensational equaliser after the Blues, who led through Branislav Ivanovic’s early strike, were reduced to 10 men midway through the second half through Nemanja Matic’s red card. 

The Serbian reacted badly to a robust challenge from Ashley Barnes and was dismissed for retaliation as he barged the Clarets striker to the ground. 

And Burnley took full advantage to earn a morale-boosting result that could prove precious come the end of the season. 

The Clarets were unchanged from the starting line-up from the defeat at Manchester United. 

But there was a return to the bench for Stephen Ward, following his fractured foot. 

Immediately, Chelsea settled into their passing game and they created their first opening in the fifth minute, as new signing Juan Cuadrado forced a fine save from Tom Heaton with a looping header from Filipe Luis’ cross. 

Burnley’s immediate reply was a terrific volley from Ashley Barnes, who almost caught our Thibaut Courtois as Michael Kightly’s deflected cross fell out of the sky. 

But it took just 14 minutes for the opening goal to arrive. Eden Hazard was the Clarets’ destroyer-in-chief, waltzing past two tackles and cutting the ball back from the by-line for Ivanovic to slot home from six yards. 

Undeterred, the Clarets picked themselves up and a deflection off a Chelsea head took the ball away from Danny Ings, after Kieran Trippier looked to pick out the in-form striker with a trademark cross. 

However, as Chelsea continued to probe, it was all about Burnley keeping their shape to restrict the hosts’ chances of adding to their lead before the break. 

Their big chance to do so came in the 44th minute. 

Diego Costa capitalised on Jason Shackell’s mis-read of the ball and advanced into the area, only to tumble far too easily under Shackell’s slight nudge, and referee Martin Atkinson was rightly unimpressed by the Spaniard’s attempts to win a penalty. 
To read the complete match report please click on the link below:

Match Report