Chelsea could only manage a 1-1 draw with Burnley, as an opposition finally seemed to have found a way to stop the blues juggernaut since the switch to the 3-4-3 formation. It was a very mediocre display from the blues, who were impressive in the first half. A poor second-half performance saw the team have no shots on target, despite an overwhelming need to get three points. Chelsea could have stretched the lead at the top of the table to 12 points with the victory. As it is, Tottenham are nine points behind the blues.
Pedro came up with the opening goal after just seven minutes. It came as a result of a fine counter-attacking move, which has been the feature of Chelsea’s play over the last few months. The goal also seemed to raise questions about the Turf Moor fear factor that was spoken about highly prior to the game. Burnley had taken 30 points coming into the game, but only one of those points was on the road. Turf Moor has been a major factor behind the club’s survival hopes.
Burnley, though, started coming into the game after about 20 minutes. However, there was little feeling about the team going on to equalise until Robbie Brady’s freekick on the 24th minute. The club’s record signing provided a stunning freekick to stun Chelsea. The goal seemed to bring the club back to life, and Chelsea had an extremely difficult encounter from then on. A tame effort from Eden Hazard after being put through on goal was only the second shot on the target, and it was not to change throughout the 90 minutes.
Much has been spoken about the 3-4-3 formation employed by Chelsea to great success. Tottenham have managed to beat the blues while playing against the formation, while a recent game with Liverpool finished as a 1-1 draw. Yet, this game will be remembered for the very little opportunities Chelsea created going forward.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made some crucial saves to keep the likes of Matt Lawton and Andy Gray from scoring. The Belgian goalkeeper has already produced some stunning saves in recent games, and Chelsea could have easily been staring at a fourth league defeat of the season if not for the shot stopper.
Even though Chelsea did keep the ball extremely well, we did not do much to stretch Burnley in the final third of the pitch. Much of the game’s play was in front of the defenders, and it made easy for the likes of Michael Keane to keep Diego Costa in check. A credit to Burnley’s hard work came when Conte switched back to a back four in the final 20 minutes of the game. The Italian appeared to admit that he was running out of ideas to break down the stubborn Burnley defence.
Still, the point is not a bad return for the team considering that we still remain top of the table and remain favourites for the title according to NJ online casino free money. The advantage over Tottenham has actually been increased by a point as Spurs lost to Liverpool on Saturday.
