Premier League
Chelsea Burn Their Opportunity
Opportunity doesn’t come often in the Premier League, and when it does, it must be obtained. Chelsea stare at third place in the table directly in the eyes. With Manchester United, Arsenal, and Tottenham all losing this past weekend, today’s game is ripe for the taking. The Premier League is coming down to the wire with only three games remaining for the blues. A meeting with United awaits this weekend, so today is seen as a trap game if the teams eyes get too big. Burnley will be fighting for their Premier League lives as they hope to stay afloat from the relegation zone. No one is ever safe in the Premier League so today is a crucial game for the blues to grab by the horns.
Bend But Not Broken
Fast and furious would be Chelsea right out of the gate. The Blues would pounce on the visitor often and early. Gonzalo Higuain’s early involvement would be a breath of fresh air that has been missing throughout the season. Over eagerness may be the double edged sword that would stab Chelsea early. Burnley would get an early goal off a fantastic volley by Jeff Hendrick. The resilience of a desperate team would show as N’Golo Kanté and Higuain would grab two goals back quickly. Unfortunately for Chelsea, they would not be able to rest on their laurels for long. Burnley would grab an equalizer of a mishandled set piece leaving Ashley Barnes wide open on the back post for an easy header. Burnley’s bend but don’t break defense would see them to the draw they did not expect.
The Contingency Plan
Chelsea will see today as an opportunity wasted before their big clash with United this weekend. The Blues own sole possession of fourth place, but much is still to be decided. Along with dropping points, youngster Hudson-Odoi had to be helped off the field with a lower right leg injury. All eyes will be on the Manchester Derby on Wednesday. City will look to take a massive step towards repeating as champions while United will look to keep a hopeful season alive by securing a spot in the top four. A frustrating game for Chelsea will leave the blues destiny next year be out of their control. Reaching the 40 point mark on the season all but reassures Burnley for returning to the Premier League next year.
Photo credit to Chelsea via Twitter
