Chelsea vs Burnley player ratings
Chelsea dropped points and lost both N’Golo Kante and Callum Hudson-Odoi to injury on a frustrating night at Stamford Bridge. Here’s how we rated each Blues player in the 2-2 draw with Burnley.
Kepa Arrizabalaga: 6
Shocked early on when Burnley took a seventh-minute lead. However, was partially unsighted and couldn’t really be faulted for failing to stop Jeff Hendrick’s precise 20-yard volley for the Clarets. Was left exposed for the second Burnley goal too.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 6
A lovely back-heel inside the penalty area to set up Gonzalo Higuain for Chelsea’s second goal early on. However, a lack of concentration allowed Burnley’s Ashley Barnes to step in for their equaliser. Brought a smart save from Burnley keeper Tom Heaton.
Andreas Christensen: 6
In for the still-crocked Antonio Rudiger in partnership with Luiz. Tasked with marking Chris Wood and lent the occasional threat from set pieces.
David Luiz: 6
Not to blame for Burnley’s goals but the Brazilian had to be vigilant against the physical presence of Clarets’ hit man Barnes in particular.
Emerson: 6
The Italian was willing to push forward, especially in the second half. Had a chance on the hour with a shot that fizzed across goal but it lacked conviction.
N’Golo Kante: 7
A marvellous strike after being set up perfectly by Eden Hazard just four minutes after going a goal down. Always willing and positive but unfortunately succumbed to injury and was substituted at half-time.
Jorginho: 6
Like Azpilicueta, caught unawares at Burnley’s second goal by Barnes who had popped up at the far post. The Sarri favourite kept the momentum going for Chelsea as they pressed the Clarets in the second half.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek: 8
Went inches wide with a fine, curling 19th-minute effort as the Blues looked to establish their grip. His powerful, driving run from midfield was instrumental in setting up Chelsea’s first goal. Impressive, particularly when Chelsea dominated in the latter stages in search of a winner.
Eden Hazard: 8
Once again the Belgian was the orchestrator-in-chief. How Chelsea fans will miss him if he does leave for Real Madrid in the summer. Always driving at the Burnley defence and fabulous close control to line up Kante for the first goal.
Callum Hudson-Odoi: 6
Limped off a few minutes before the interval and replaced by Pedro. A luckless night for the Blues prodigy who had shown some nice touches on the right-hand side early on.
Gonzalo Higuain: 7
The Argentine went close in the fifth minute when his angled, hooked effort was cleared off the line by Ben Mee. Then that wonder strike in the 14th minute – smashing the ball into the roof of the net to put Chelsea 2-1 up. A moment to make both boss Maurizio Sarri and the supporters sit up and take notice. Another confident shot from distance went inches wide. Faded slightly thereafter and replaced by Olivier Giroud.
Pedro: 6
Came on for the injured Hudson-Odoi. A busy performance, helping out Hazard against what was a committed Burnley side.
Mateo Kovacic: 6
Replaced the injured Kante at half-time. Kept the midfield momentum going but the Croatian loanee was ultimately frustrated.
Olivier Giroud: 6
Came on for Higuain with the game still in the balance. Didn’t affect the outcome.
