EPL: Burnley rescue point against 10-man Chelsea

Burnley struck deep into stoppage time to secure a 1-1 draw against 10-man Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, compounding the hosts’ issues with discipline and game management.

Substitute Zian Flemming headed home from a James Ward-Prowse corner in the 93rd minute after Chelsea had been reduced to 10 men following Wesley Fofana’s dismissal.

Chelsea had appeared in control for much of the contest and took the lead inside four minutes when Joao Pedro converted from close range after good work by Pedro Neto.

Red card shifts tide

The hosts created further opportunities, with Cole Palmer unable to capitalise on a defensive error and Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka making key interventions.

Burnley’s first-half threat was limited, though Lesley Ugochukwu fired over from a corner awarded after goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was penalised for holding the ball beyond eight seconds under updated enforcement guidelines.

The turning point arrived in the 72nd minute when Fofana received a second yellow card, leaving Chelsea to protect a narrow advantage.

Within minutes, Burnley began to apply sustained pressure, with Josh Laurent testing Sanchez from distance.

Late blow for Blues

Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior introduced defensive reinforcements, while Burnley boss Scott Parker responded with attacking changes.

The gamble paid off in stoppage time as Flemming rose unmarked to head in Ward-Prowse’s delivery. Substitute Jacob Bruun Larsen nearly completed the turnaround moments later.

Chelsea supporters reacted with boos at full-time. The draw means the Blues have now dropped 19 points from winning positions in the league this season and accumulated six red cards, the highest tally in the division.

Chelsea move up to fourth, albeit having played more games than several rivals.

Burnley remain second bottom, eight points from safety, but leave west London with a valuable point.