By CFC Unofficial (Debs) (Chelsea 3 Aston Villa 0) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia CommonsChelsea FC would go into their game against Burnley FC looking to secure all three points against the bottom dwellers. The Blues are currently top of the table, and could put even more pressure on their closest rival with a win over a team that’s currently in the relegation zone. Juan Cuardrado and Kurt Zouma both featured in the starting XI.
Jose Mourinho got the early lead he wanted after yet another Branislav Ivanovic goal. Eden Hazard made a winding run into the box, and eventually was able to get a cross off. Ivanovic, who had made his usual overlapping run, was in position to strike the ball, and finished from point blank range. Chelsea had a 1-0 lead after 14 minutes.
Not even a minute later, Hazard forced a save from Tom Heaton that was surely zipping into the corner of goal.
Chelsea had a handball shout turned down in the 30th minute after Ivanovic’s strike was thought to be handled inside the box.
Burnley were able to create a couple of chances for themselves via set pieces, and almost caught Chelsea in the 35th minute. Thibaut Courtois was unable to fully clear a ball after getting caught in the congestion of players inside the box. Burnley had an open goal for just a split second, but couldn’t take advantage.
Just before halftime, Chelsea had another penalty shout turned down. Diego Costa was on the ball inside the box, and got shoved by Jason Shackell. Costa tumbled over, but referee Martin Atkinson felt it wasn’t enough to warrant a penalty.
The score would remain 1-0 going into halftime. 1-0 is a bit precarious lead, and Chelsea will have to keep focus,. especially on defending set pieces. An early goal for the Blues could be game, set, match. But one for the Clarets could make it an interesting second half.
Ashley Barnes gave Chelsea fans a scare in the 51st minute, when his effort from a half-volley took a deflection, and forced a reaction save from Courtois.
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The theme of the second half 15 minutes in had been missed opportunities for Chelsea. The Blues had a couple of chances in the attacking third, but could never get the final pass correct.
The game would take a 180 in the 70th minute when Nemanja Matic was sent off for retaliation against Ashley Barnes was deemed enough for a sending off. Barnes put in a reckless challenge against the Chelsea midfielder, and Matic made his anger shown by shoving Barnes to the ground.
With the man advantage, Burnley were able to commit a few more men forward, and try to go on and snatch a late equalizer.
In the 81st minute, Burnley would indeed find their equalizer. From a corner, Ben Mee got a free header, and was able to finish far post. With the game now level, it would set up an interesting final minutes of the game.
Even being a man down, Chelsea appeared to be the side more determined to get the second goal. Burnley were even being accused of a bit of time wasting towards the end of the match.
The final chance came for Burnley, when Danny Ings cut inside from the right flank, and fired a shot at the Chelsea goal. But his shot sailed wide, and the game would finish at one all.
Chelsea FC and its fans will surely be disappointed by not claiming all three points against a team languishing at the bottom of the Barclay’s Premier League table. This also gives main title rivals Manchester City a chance to cut into the deficit if they get a win over Newcastle United.
MOTM: Thibaut Courtois – Once again, the goalkeeper showed why he’s world class by making some great saves during the match. His command of the area in defensive set pieces early on was also top notch.