Zian Flemming scored a stoppage-time goal as Burnley held 10-man Chelsea to a 1-1 draw in Saturday’s Premier League affair at Stamford Bridge.
The hosts took an early lead through Joao Pedro and were reduced to 10 in the second half when Wesley Fofana was sent off for a second caution, before Flemming struck deep into added time in a dramatic encounter.
Chelsea had dropped points against Leeds United in their last match, recording a 2-2 draw despite leading by two goals at a point in the game.
Burnley, on the other hand, needed results to start going their way as they hoped to avoid relegation back to the Championships.
It took the Blues only four minutes to get on the scoresheet as the in-form Pedro put the ball into the back of the net after a cross from Pedro Neto.
Burnley went close to an equalizer, but Hannibal Mejri’s effort was saved while Lesley Ugochukwu flashed a shot wide off target.
Palmer was then denied by Martin Dubravka, who spared Kyle Walker’s blushes after an error by the former Manchester City defender, as the Blues took a one-goal lead into the break.
Chelsea had several attempts to double their advantage, but Burnley stood strong in defence and repelled everything thrown at them.
Fofana was then sent off for a second bookable offence, while Palmer was then substituted after struggling with a calf problem
Burnley then stepped up in the closing stages of the game, with Ashley Barnes heading to the roof of the net, before they finally broke Chelsea’s heart three minutes into added time.
Flemming got on the end of a delivery from James Ward-Prowse, heading home past Sanchez to make the scoreline 1-1.
The game ended in disappointment for the home side, who dropped points yet again ahead of a difficult run of fixtures.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
