Cole Palmer scored two goals as Chelsea drew 2-2 at home to Burnley on Saturday. The Blues took the lead twice at Stamford Bridge but couldn’t keep Burnley at bay.
Chelsea were favourites to get a result as they were in-form and had home advantage, but Burnley could have won. They hit the woodwork late on when the game was level, so Chelsea might be relieved to take a point.
Missed opportunities and controversy in the first half
Chelsea and Burnley had opportunities to open the scoring that they both spurned. Enzo Fernandez forced a save from Arijanet Muric after a deflected effort found the top corner. Lyle Foster then nearly scored for Burnley after curling an effort to the far post that Djordje Petrovic tipped away.
Nicolas Jackson should have given Chelsea the lead though after getting one-on-one with Muric. He collected the ball in the area and beat one defender but couldn’t find the back of the net – Jackson had his close-range effort saved by Muric’s leg.
Chelsea found the breakthrough after being awarded a penalty for a foul on Mykhailo Mudryk. Lorenz Assignon pulled Mudryk down and received a second yellow card, resulting in his sending off. Replays showed the award was soft, and Burnley manager Vincent Kompany got himself sent off for remonstrating.
Palmer scored the spot-kick with a Panenka down the middle, giving Chelsea the lead going into the break.
Substitutions changed the game in the second half
Burnley had the perfect response in the second half, finding a brilliant equaliser in the 47th minute through Josh Cullen. Josh Brownhill, introduced at the break, played a one-two with Cullen who volleyed home from distance. Petrovic did get a touch to the shot and might feel he could have done better on another day.
Raheem Sterling would be the next substitute to grab an assist, setting up Palmer for Chelsea’s second goal. The 29-year-old flicked a pass into Palmer’s path, and the ex-Man City forward slotted his effort home.
Burnley weren’t to be denied, however, and responded just minutes after conceding through Dara O’Shea. Cullen went from scorer to provider, whipping in a corner than O’Shea headed home. Once again, Petrovic did get a touch but couldn’t keep it out.
Sterling was nearly the match-winner after being picked out by Palmer, but he headed over from close range. Burnley hit the woodwork late on through Jay Rodriguez, heading against the crossbar from a corner and missing the follow-up.
Chelsea won’t be happy to drop points but may admit they could have lost the game.
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