Chelsea F.C. were denied maximum points in dramatic fashion at Stamford Bridge on Saturday as Burnley F.C. struck deep into stoppage time to secure a 1–1 draw in their Premier League encounter.
The Blues, who were reduced to 10 men in the second half, appeared on course for victory after an early goal from João Pedro. However, a powerful 93rd-minute header from Zian Flemming ensured the Clarets left west London with a deserved share of the spoils.
Chelsea made a blistering start and were ahead inside four minutes. Pedro Neto showed sharp awareness to thread a precise pass into the path of João Pedro, who calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper from inside the penalty area.
The goal underwent a brief VAR review for a potential handball in the build-up, but referee Lewis Smith confirmed the strike after consultation, allowing the home side to maintain their early advantage.
The hosts continued to dominate the opening exchanges, with Enzo Fernández and Cole Palmer probing the Burnley defence. Reece James also posed a threat with dangerous deliveries from set-pieces, though the visitors gradually found their footing.
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Burnley responded with growing confidence. Marcus Edwards and Lesley Ugochukwu threatened in advanced areas, while Josh Laurent tested Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez with a well-struck effort that required a sharp save. The contest developed into a tightly contested midfield battle as the first half progressed.
The momentum of the match shifted in the 72nd minute when Wesley Fofana was shown a second yellow card following a rash challenge, reducing Chelsea to 10 men. The dismissal galvanised Burnley and handed renewed belief to manager Scott Parker’s side.
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior reacted by reshuffling his lineup, withdrawing Cole Palmer in favour of Tosin Adarabioyo in a defensive adjustment aimed at protecting the slender lead.
Burnley intensified their pressure in the closing stages, introducing Jacob Bruun Larsen and Ashley Barnes to bolster their attack. Laurent again went close, drawing another fine diving save from Sánchez as the Clarets pushed forward.
With six minutes of stoppage time added, Chelsea seemed poised to hold on. But in the 93rd minute, James Ward-Prowse delivered a trademark corner into the penalty area. Flemming rose highest near the penalty spot and powered a header into the left side of the net, silencing the home crowd and levelling the score at 1–1.
Tempers flared in the aftermath, with Sánchez and Jorrel Hato both receiving bookings as frustration mounted among the hosts.
The dramatic equaliser ensured Burnley earned a valuable point, while Chelsea were left to rue missed opportunities and the costly red card that ultimately altered the course of the contest.