Full Time: Chelsea 2-3 Burnley
The Home of the English Champions witnessed an exciting encounter in what was the first game this season for Chelsea, as they failed to take even a single point from a forgettable day for the hosts. Sean Dyche’s Burnley were all over the Blues, who lost their skipper Gary Cahill to a red card halfway through the first half.
They were 3-0 down by half time and managed to get back to 3-2, despite going down to 9-men. Alvaro Morata and David Luiz were on target for the Blues as Cahill and Fabregas were sent off. Here’s how the defending champions fared on the opening day.
Chelsea Player Ratings
Thibaut Courtois (5)
Was helpless throughout the game as he could have done nothing much to stop any of Burnley’s goals. Made a couple decent saves to keep his side in the game.
Antonio Rudiger (6)
Showed no signs of nerves on his debut in England as he stood strong against an imposing Burnley side on a less than impressive night for Chelsea.
David Luiz (7)
Gave his heart out and fought right until the end as he scored the second goal for Chelsea and gave them some hope late in the game.
Gary Cahill (2)
Made a cynical challenge just 14 minutes into the game and left his side playing with 10-men for most of the game.
Cesar Azpilicueta (6)
Played in a variety of positions due to the red cards flying around and hardly put a foot wrong, sticking to his task and keeping the Burnley attack at bay.
N’Golo Kante (5)
Was slightly rusty at times during the game but was his energetic self, hurrying Burnley in the middle of the park and winning balls back quickly for his side.
Cesc Fabregas (4)
Poor on his part to pick up a red card at a time when Chelsea were looking to get back into the game as he put in a senseless challenge after playing a decent game in the middle of the park.
Marcos Alonso (5)
Came close to scoring on more than one occasion but was often caught out at the back as the visitors enjoyed a lot of possession down his flank.
Willian (8)
Easily the best player for Chelsea, Willian was playing a free flowing role and created most of the chances for his side.
Jeremie Boga (5)
Got a chance to impress in the first game of the season, only to be cut short after Cahill’s red card as Conte replaced him with a defensive player in Andreas Christensen, thus ending his debut prematurely.
Michy Batshuayi (5)
Showed some grit early in the game but was often slowing attacks down for Chelsea and was replaced by Morata at the hour mark.
SUBS:
Andreas Christensen (7)
Did no harm to his reputation as he played as a CB, on the wing and as a midfielder, showing great confidence, even as he only came out to cover for a red card.
Alvaro Morata (7)
Added some impetus to the Chelsea attack as soon as he was subbed on and got on the end of a brilliant cross from Willian to open the scoring for his side. Picked up an assist as well when he cleverly flicked the ball to put Luiz through on goal.
Charlie Musonda (N/A)
A substitution made in injury-time.
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