Chelsea’s defence of their Premier League title got off to a poor start as Burnley handed the defending champions, a demoralizing opening-match defeat, winning 3-2 at Stamford Bridge
After captain Gary Cahill received a straight red card for a reckless tackle on Steven Defour, Sam Vokes put Burnley ahead in the 24th minute, volleying in Matthew Lowton’s cross.
Stephen Ward doubled the lead a quarter of an hour later with a fierce shot after a one-two with Jack Cork.
Burnley made it 3-0 before half-time when Vokes headed in Defour’s free-kick.
Chelsea’s hopes of a fightback were hit when Cesc Fabregas received a second yellow card.
Alvaro Morata, who came in as a second-half substitute, nodded in Willian’s cross in the 69th minute. David Luiz extended the the hope with a late goal from Morata’s flick.
Nigeria’s Victor Moses could only watch from the stands as he is on suspension for the Premier League opener.
post-match reactions:
Burnley boss Sean Dyche: "We are learning and building an assured view of the Premier League. But today big decisions changed the outcome, quite obviously. The first half pleased me because although Chelsea went to 10 men, it was not easy. We kept going, kept probing and it's 3-0 at the interval.
"Winning away from home on the first day quietens down some stories - we're written off at the start of every season. It kills off a few things early doors and it allows the players that space for growth.
"Chelsea have players of such calibre and to see the game through is so pleasing."
Not many gave Burnley a chance - Dyche
Burnley goalscorer Sam Vokes: "We were sloppy at times but we ground out the result and we're delighted.
"That's a huge result - a lot was made of our away form last season. It was always going to be tough here but we got our heads down and put in a performance."
Chelsea lost their heads too easily - Conte
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte: "The sending off of Cahill was a key moment, because to play the rest of the game with 10 and then nine men is not easy. I don't want to comment on the referee, absolutely not.
"We tried until the end to reach a good result against Burnley - it was a pity because our fight in the second half was very good. But in our first half, we kept losing our heads. After the red card we lost our heads, conceded three goals and then it's very difficult to change the final result.
"Morata is very important and it's important that he now adapts himself to our philosophy - today he played a good game with the right intensity. Now he has to continue to work with all the rest of our players."
In some of the other Saturday games, Watford and Liverpool ended their game 3-3 while newly promoted side Huddersfield Town stunned Crystal Palace 3-0 away from home.
Results
Watford 3 – 3 Liverpool
Chelsea 2 – 3 Burnley
Crystal Palace 0 – 3 Huddersfield Town
Everton 1 – 0 Stoke City
Southampton 0 – 0 Swansea City
West Bromwich Albion 1 – 0 AFC Bournemouth
0 Comments