Chelsea are the latest side to stutter in their pursuit of a top four finish. The draw that as good as secured Burnley’s place in the Premier League for another season shifted Maurizio Sarri’s team back into the Champions League qualification places, but theirs could still be a temporary stint amongst that quartet. This was a missed opportunity on a night where, mentally and physically, a brutal season appeared to have taken its toll.The Londoners rather ran aground on abrasive and well drilled opponents as this contest dragged on, the rat-a-tat of shared first half goals having given away to a grim slog in pursuit of a winner. Burnley competed ruggedly and admirably, repelled everything thrown at them, and infuriated their hosts as they ran the clock down towards their latest critical point. The local frustration was palpable with Chelsea, their options increasingly clipped by injuries, aware that all those immediately around them have midweek fixtures in which they could steal back momentum. Sarri had warned there would be twists and turns to endure before the season’s end, and he will have taken no pleasure in being proved correct. Related: Chelsea v Burnley: Premier League – live! Continue readingreadfullarticle
