Chelsea struggled to break down a stubborn Burnley defence on Sunday afternoon, as the hosts’ impressive home form continued.
It wasn’t a pretty performance, or one that we’ve come to expect from this Chelsea side. Aside from Pedro’s sublime touch-and-strike in the opening minutes of the contest, the Blues were unable to break down Burnley’s resistance. They dominated possession, owning over 70% of play, but they failed to create any threatening opportunities.
Nemanja Matic’s inclusion ahead of Cesc Fabregas is one reason for the lack of creativity in midfield. Matic did not have his best games. His foul led to the free kick which Robbie Brady put past Thibaut Courtois.
Matic’s performance will only heighten calls for Fabregas to start instead. Hindsight is 20/20, however. Perhaps Antonio Conte will opt for just the one defensive midfielder against such opposition in the future.
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Another reason for Chelsea’s inability to get all three points was Diego Costa’s poor play. The forward has not been at his best since his infamous row with the coaching staff earlier in the year. Speculation over a move to China grew intensely, with one goal in four league outings showing for it.
A missed penalty versus Liverpool, several chances against Arsenal and now a sloppy performance on Sunday bring back memories of the unmotivated Costa of the last days of Jose Mourinho’s tenure. The forward was inefficient in his play and looked like a shadow of the player that terrorised defences during the first half of the season.
When Costa is in scintillating form, he is arguably the best striker in the world. It is a big drop, though, when the Spaniard simply does not feel like performing to his ability. His off-the-ball movement usually opens up space for Eden Hazard and Pedro. But at Turf Moor, he rarely put in such work. Chelsea can not afford to have a passenger in their starting XI for the remainder of the campaign.
Drawing against Burnley is no embarrassment. Sean Dyche’s side dig in and usually get the results they want at home. Conte’s team struggles against their style of physical and defensive play. Chelsea could easily have lost had Andre Gray donned his shooting boots for the afternoon.
Fortunately, the Clarets failed to convert any opportunity which fell their way. Chelsea can take comfort from knowing that Tottenham and Manchester United still have to visit Turf Moor, a contest which is bound to make their title challengers work for any point they may pick up there.
Chelsea gained a point on their closest title rivals as Spurs fell to Liverpool. As things stand, they find themselves with a superficially comfortable lead over the rest of their competitors. But panic bells will start ringing following City’s win over Bournemouth, especially with City still having to travel to London to face the table-toppers.
The doom and gloom that has come with the result is to be expected. Dropping points when controlling most of the game is never satisfying, especially when Chelsea’s last away fixture ended with similar feelings. They have also left the possibility open for City to cut into their lead at the top.
Chelsea should have four more points than they do. Not many teams will get a draw at Liverpool and Burnley and come away feeling like they lost. It is a testament to the winning mentality that Antonio Conte instills at Stamford Bridge, one that they will need to turn to for the 13 matches still left to play.