Burnley continue impressive home run
Premier League leaders Chelsea dropped points for only the third time since September after being pegged back by dogged Burnley in a 1-1 draw at a snowy Turf Moor, Burnley’s home ground.
The result meant Chelsea extended their lead to 10 points over second-placed Tottenham, who lost 2-0 at Liverpool on Sunday, but this was one of the most uncomfortable games Antonio Conte’s side has experienced for some time.
Pedro Rodriguez finished off a rapid counterattack to put Chelsea ahead in the seventh minute, only for Burnley to equalise through Robbie Brady’s curling 25-metre free-kick in the 24th.
Burnley had the better chances to win the game, with their physical presence causing Chelsea problems throughout. Since losing 3-0 to Arsenal on September 24, Chelsea have won all their games except for a 2-0 loss to Tottenham on January 4 and a 1-1 draw at Liverpool on January 31. Manchester City will go second and trim Chelsea’s lead to eight points if they beat Bournemouth this morning.
This was always going to be a testing game for Chelsea, not least because of the conditions at the atmospheric Turf Moor. Burnley had won nine of their previous 10 games in all competitions at their ground, with their only home loss since early October coming against City.
And by the time they had recovered from a shaky opening 20 minutes, the hosts hurt Chelsea with their direct style, relentless work rate and threat on the counterattack with quick striker Andre Gray.
After Brady equalised with his exquisite free kick on his first start for the club since a club-record move on January 31, Burnley created the better chances, with Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saving low from Matthew Lowton and Gray either side of halftime.
Pedro’s goal came from one of Chelsea’s few openings, the Spanish winger running onto Victor Moses squared pass to take one touch - wrong-footing Michael Keane in the process - and finishing low into the corner.