Chelsea were plunged into full-blown crisis after Burnley inflicted their first opening-day defeat for 19 years.

Captain Gary Cahill was sent off for Antonio Conte’s defending Champions after just 14 minutes, for a lunge on Steven Defour.


Burnley then smashed the home side with three goals in 19 devastating, first-half minutes to send shock waves around the Premier League.

Conte had included five rookies on the bench including Kenedy, the Brazilian who disgraced the club on their tour of the Far East last month. It was yet another clear message to the Chelsea board that the current squad remains too thin.


Burnley reinforced the point, ruthlessly ripping apart the home side at Stamford Bridge.

Sam Vokes hooked the first into the bottom corner on 24 minutes. Stephen Ward powered in a 39th-minute second and Vokes headed a third, two minutes before half time.

Burnley keeper Tom Heaten produced two fine second-half saves from Marcos Alonso to preserve his side’s advantage.

But he was eventually beaten in the 69th minute when Alvaro Morata, on as a 59th-minute sub, scored ten minutes later.


Just as Chelsea thought they had a chance, the hope deteriorated once again as Cesc Fabregas was sent off for a second bookable defence.

David Luiz to volleyed home with just two minutes left to set up a grandstand finish. But Robbie Brady hit the post before Burnley held on.


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CHELSEA
Courtois 5

No chance for any of the goals with his defence AWOL.

Azpilicueta 5

Clueless as Vokes and the Burnley attack made hay.

Rudiger 5

A nightmare Bridge debut - against Burnley.

Luiz 6

Poor defensively but you have to say his late finish was impressive.

Cahill 4

Red card might have been harsh but his challenge was bad.

Kante 6

Authoritative until Cahill was sent off. Overwhelmed as Burnley took control. Better second half.

Alonso 6

Yellow card too minutes into the match for his foul on Lowton. Poor defensively but tested Heaton twice second half.

Fabregas 5

This was the kind of game where steel was needed to replace his silk.

Boga 5

Unfortunate to have his big day cut short because Cahill suffered a rush of blood.

Willian 6

Normally the shining light for Chelsea and helped them rally second half.

Batshuayi 5

Just couldn’t find a way through to give Chelsea a lifeline.

SUBS :

Morata for Batshuayi (59) 7

Christiansen for Boga (18) 6

Musonda for Christiansen (90) 5



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BURNLEY
Heaton 7

Could never have thought he’d have a day this easy against the Champions. Two fine saves from Alonso.

Lowton 8

Fine cross for Vokes’ goal to pile the pressure on.

Cork 8

A fine debut display. Intelligent passing and caused problems throughout.

Tarkowski 7

In at centre-half for the departed Michael Keane and will be pleased with his performance.

Mee 7

Disciplined, determined and stood up strong as Chelsea tried to rally.

Vokes 9

Two well-taken finishes to leave Courtois with no chance.

Brady 7

So underrated. Hit the post with his fabulous 89th-minute free-kick.

Hendrick 7

A real handful with whom Chelsea could not get to grips.

Defour 7

Good range of passing to help his side find a way past the Champions’ rearguard.

Premier-League-Chelsea-vs-Burnley.jpg
(Image: Action Images via Reuters)
Gudmundsson 6

Gave the ball away at times but otherwise decent.

Ward 9

Fine goal to cap a fine all-round performance.

SUBS :

Walters for Defour (74) 6

Arfield for Gudmundsson (74) 6