Chelsea had a dismal start to the Premier League season losing their opener 2-3 to Burnley.
The Blues were put under immense pressure with an early sending off for new club captain Gary Cahill and they seemed to never recover from the setback completely.
Antonio Conte’s men seemed to completely lose the plot as Chelsea were down 0-3 by half time, courtesy of a brace from Sam Vokes and a stunner by Stephen Ward.
Chelsea did pull one back through a lovely header from new signing Alvaro Morata but they could not put pressure long enough on the Burnley back line as Cesc Fabregas was shown a second yellow after being booked in the first half for dissent. The 9-man team still managed to pull one more back after Alvaro Morata had a lovely cushioned header in the path of David Luiz who converted. It was too little too late for The Blues as their title defence got off to the worst possible start.
Here are the Chelsea players’ ratings from the match:
Thibaut Courtois- 4/10
Could have and should have done better in getting down to stop Vokes’ first goal. Could not have done much for the other 2. Also lucky not to concede the 4th goal from Brady’s free kick after arranging a rather shoddy wall.
Antonio Rudiger- 5/10
Started on the right of the back three but shifted to the left to accommodate Christensen after Cahill’s sending off. The German had a tough debut. His passing and distribution looked composed and he will be hoping for a better game at Wembley.
David Luiz- 6/10
Struggled to deal with Vokes aerially. Played with a lot of passion to try and fight back making multiple forays forward. Got Chelsea their second goal with a well-taken effort. Went down in tears almost as the referee blew the final whistle.
Gary Cahill- 3/10
Unnecessary studs up challenge on Steven Defour just 14 mins in the game saw him being sent off. Chelsea never recovered from this moment and he will rue the fact.
Cesar Azpilicueta- 5/10
Played as right wing-back in the absence of Moses and did not completely disappoint. Should have done better to stop Ward in his tracks before he unleashed a stunner.
N’Golo Kante- 7/10
Usual busy self, Got some lovely tackles and interceptions. Improving his distribution by the day as well. Missed his partner Matic though. Let Ward pass to easily for the 2nd goal in a momentary lapse of concentration.
Cesc Fabregas- 5/10
Frustrated by Burnley’s midfield. Could not create too many openings. Booked early for dissent and sent off late for a foul.
Marcos Alonso- 7/10
Booked early for a clumsy challenge but seems to have left a dismal pre-season behind. Was one of Chelsea’s best players on the attack threatening with crosses and long range efforts. Had a beautiful curling free kick saved by an outstretched fingertip from Heaton.
Jeremie Boga-N/A
The Ivorian Academy lad who spent last season on loan at Granada had to be replaced early to bring on Christensen to shore up the backline after Cahill’s sending off.
Willian- 6/10
Tried to make things happen but they did not always work out. Missed an outlet to pass the ball to and was isolated often. Provided an exquisite cross for Morata’s debut goal.
Michy Batshuayi-4/10
Shoved off the ball every time he received it by the Burnley defenders. Needs to show more strength on the ball. Disappointing performance by the Belgian.
Substitutes:
Andreas Christensen- 6/10
Called upon early after Cahill was sent off. The former Gladbach loanee slotted well and looked composed on the ball. Had a goal disallowed late on.
Alvaro Morata- 8/10
The lone shining light in a dismal display. Timely run with a beautiful header for the first goal. Lovely cushioned header to assist David Luiz for his goal. Looked to have put the penalty miss far behind him and was determined to make his mark. Although he did cost Chelsea one goal due to an offside touch on Christensen’s effort.
Charly Musonda- N/A
Replaced Christensen in the 89th minute.
