Chelsea
Burnley
Match Statistics
Confirmed Lineups
- 1 Sanchez R.
- 2 James R.
- 3 Fofana W.
- 4 Chalobah T.
- 5 Gusto M.
- 6 Caicedo M.
- 7 Andrey Santos
- 8 Palmer C.
- 9 Fernandez E.
- 10 Neto P.
- 11 Joao Pedro
Substitutes
Acheampong J., Adarabioyo T., Delap L., Garnacho A., Guiu M., Hato J., Lavia R., Sarr M., Slonina G.
- 1 Dubravka M.
- 2 Laurent J.
- 3 Worrall J.
- 4 Esteve M.
- 5 Walker K.
- 6 Ugochukwu L.
- 7 Mejbri H.
- 8 Humphreys B.
- 9 Edwards M.
- 10 Anthony J.
- 11 Flemming Z.
Substitutes
Barnes A., Bruun Larsen J., Ekdal H., Florentino, Hartman Q., Lucas Pires, Tchaouna L., Ward-Prowse J., Weiss M., X
Chelsea vs Burnley Match Commentary
Chelsea vs Burnley Match Overview: 1-1 Premier League
Chelsea thought they had done enough, but Burnley refused to accept the script. The Chelsea vs Burnley Score finished 1-1 after a late set-piece punch from the visitors, cancelling out an early Joao Pedro opener at Stamford Bridge on 2026-02-21. In a Premier League match report that swung from Chelsea control to Burnley defiance, Liam Rosenior’s side dominated long spells, survived a red card, and still watched Zian Flemming’s 93rd-minute header rip two points away. For all the pressure, the Chelsea vs Burnley Result will feel like a warning as much as a draw: games aren’t over until the final corner is dealt with.
First Half
The opening minutes were pure Chelsea intent—quick circulation, aggressive positions from Reece James and Malo Gusto, and Pedro Neto buzzing between lines. It took only four minutes for that energy to translate into the breakthrough: Neto slipped a smart pass into Joao Pedro, who kept his composure inside the box and finished cleanly. A VAR check threatened to drag the moment into uncertainty, but the goal stood, and Stamford Bridge exhaled into celebration.
Burnley didn’t fold. Scott Parker’s side steadied themselves, leaned on set-pieces and transitions, and began to test Chelsea’s discipline rather than their goalkeeper. Marcus Edwards flashed a dangerous free-kick just wide, while Lesley Ugochukwu arrived late onto a loose ball and sliced over—warning signs that Burnley were capable of landing a blow if Chelsea stopped protecting the centre.
Chelsea remained the more fluent team, with Enzo Fernandez blazing narrowly over from the edge of the area and Cole Palmer repeatedly drawing defenders before the final action was blocked. Yet the half also carried an edge: fouls accumulated, yellow cards appeared, and the match developed that tense feel where one rash challenge could change everything.
Key Moments
- Joao Pedro finished calmly after a Pedro Neto assist, with VAR confirming the opener.
- Enzo Fernandez went close from distance as Chelsea pushed for a second.
- Marcus Edwards’ direct free-kick drifted just wide to keep Burnley in touch.
- Wesley Fofana’s first-half booking hinted at trouble to come in a fractious contest.
Second Half
The second period began with Chelsea insisting on control and Burnley searching for a route back—often through wide deliveries and second balls. Palmer went down in the box early on, but the referee waved play on, and the sense of grievance only sharpened the atmosphere. Chelsea created moments without fully converting them into clear daylight: Joao Pedro saw a shot blocked, Neto had an effort smothered by a defender, and a series of corners arrived with promise but not the decisive touch.
The game’s turning point came on 72 minutes when Wesley Fofana, already booked, was shown a second yellow and sent off. Chelsea’s response was immediate and pragmatic: Rosenior sacrificed Palmer to add Tosin Adarabioyo, reshaping to protect the lead and survive the final stretch. From there, Burnley’s belief grew with every stoppage, every set-piece, every moment the ball stayed in Chelsea territory.
Parker’s substitutions added fresh legs and delivery, and Burnley’s best chance in open play forced Robert Sanchez into a sharp save from Josh Laurent. Still, it felt like Chelsea might cling on—until stoppage time delivered the cruelest lesson. James Ward-Prowse, introduced for his dead-ball quality, stood over a 93rd-minute corner and bent in a cross with real venom. Zian Flemming met it with a thunderous header from around the penalty spot, steering it into the left side of the net to level the match at 1-1.
There was barely time for a final twist—Bruun Larsen glanced over from another corner, and Chelsea’s frustration spilled into late bookings—but the whistle confirmed the damage. The Chelsea vs Burnley Highlights will be remembered for that early clarity from Joao Pedro and that late Burnley surge, delivered with set-piece precision.
Key Moments
- Wesley Fofana was sent off after a second yellow card, forcing Chelsea into survival mode.
- Robert Sanchez produced a big save to deny Josh Laurent as Burnley pressed.
- Ward-Prowse’s stoppage-time corner was headed home by Zian Flemming for 1-1.
- Burnley nearly stole it late on as Bruun Larsen headed just over from another corner.
Chelsea vs Burnley Stats Breakdown
The Chelsea vs Burnley Stats tell a story of dominance without closure. Chelsea controlled 66% possession and posted a strong 1.99 xG to Burnley’s 0.84, with 3 big chances to Burnley’s 1. Yet the margins were shaped by game state and set pieces: after the red card, Burnley’s territory and deliveries increased, and the late equaliser arrived exactly the way you’d expect once Ward-Prowse entered the contest.
Shot volume finished level at 12-12, but Burnley hit more on target (4) than Chelsea (2), while Chelsea’s five blocked shots underline how often Burnley bodies got in the way of the final strike. Chelsea also earned 9 corners to Burnley’s 5, but the decisive corner belonged to the visitors. If you want the Chelsea vs Burnley Analysis in one line, it’s this: Chelsea created enough to win, but Burnley were more clinical with the moment that mattered.
From an xG analysis perspective, Chelsea’s xG on target (1.16) narrowly exceeded Burnley’s (1.12), reinforcing how fine the finishing margins were despite the control and territory. The red card (Chelsea 1, Burnley 0) remains the obvious swing factor, turning a managed lead into a siege.
Chelsea vs Burnley Lineups
Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): R. Sanchez; R. James, W. Fofana, T. Chalobah, M. Gusto; M. Caicedo, Andrey Santos; C. Palmer, E. Fernandez, P. Neto; Joao Pedro.
Burnley XI (3-4-2-1): M. Dubravka; J. Laurent, J. Worrall, M. Esteve; K. Walker, L. Ugochukwu, H. Mejbri, B. Humphreys; M. Edwards, J. Anthony; Z. Flemming.
Substitutions (notable): Chelsea introduced Tosin Adarabioyo, Liam Delap, Mamadou Sarr and Josh Acheampong as the match tightened. Burnley brought on James Ward-Prowse, Jacob Bruun Larsen, Loum Tchaouna, Lucas Pires and Ashley Barnes, with Ward-Prowse’s delivery changing the ending.
Player of the Match
James Ward-Prowse (Burnley). Introduced with Burnley chasing the game, he brought instant control to their set-piece moments and delivered the defining ball of the afternoon. The assist for Flemming’s equaliser was exactly why he was on the pitch—one swing, perfect height, perfect pace, maximum consequence.
What the Result Means
For Chelsea match today, this draw will feel like a missed opportunity: an early lead, superior xG, and long spells of control, undone by indiscipline and one set-piece lapse at the death. For Burnley match today, it’s a point that should travel well—proof of resilience, belief, and the kind of late-game execution that can shift a season’s mood.
In full-time analysis, Chelsea will look at the second booking for Fofana and the game management that followed, while Burnley will take confidence from how they kept playing until the final whistle and found a way through even with limited clear chances. The post-match reaction will inevitably circle around the red card and the stoppage-time corner, but Burnley’s persistence deserves its own headline.
That's it for today, Lewis Smith has blown his whistle and the game is over.
90+6'
Jacob Bruun Larsen (Burnley) reacts well and displays good awareness inside the box to get on the end of the resulting corner kick. He fails to direct the ball into the net as it flies narrowly over the crossbar.
90+6'
James Ward-Prowse (Burnley) steps up to send the ball in.
90+4'
Jorrel Hato (Chelsea) commits a foul and is shown a yellow card without any hesitation from the referee.
90+3'
Although Josh Laurent (Burnley) is just on the bench, Lewis Smith has awarded him with a yellow card. Unsporting behavior says the referee.
90+3'
1 - 1
Goal! James Ward-Prowse sent a fine cross from the corner kick. The perfect pass found Zian Flemming (Burnley) and his bullet header from around the penalty spot went straight into the left side of the goal. The score is 1:1.
90+3'
James Ward-Prowse (Burnley) looks like he will be the one to try and deliver a quality ball into the penalty box from the corner kick.
90+1'
6 additional min. will be played.
90'
James Ward-Prowse (Burnley) makes a rough challenge and Lewis Smith blows his whistle for a foul.
90'
Robert Sanchez (Chelsea) receives a yellow card.
89'
Ashley Barnes (Burnley) fails to beat the offside trap and the linesman puts his flag up.
89'
James Ward-Prowse (Burnley) will take the free kick.
89'
Liam Rosenior has decided to substitute Reece James and he is replaced by Josh Acheampong (Chelsea).
88'
The substitution has been made. Mamadou Sarr (Chelsea) has replaced Pedro Neto.
88'
Referee Lewis Smith sees the trip by Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea) and doesn't hesitate to blow his whistle.
86'
A fantastic block by a defender means that the corner from Burnley comes to nothing.
85'
Ashley Barnes (Burnley) is caught offside!
84'
The referee stops play so that a substitution can be made and Jaidon Anthony leaves the pitch and Ashley Barnes (Burnley) comes on.
83'
Scott Parker decides to make a substitution. Bashir Humphreys will be replaced by Loum Tchaouna (Burnley).
83'
A rebound falls at the feet of Jorrel Hato (Chelsea) on the edge of the box, but his powerful shot veers well wide of the left post.
82'
Bashir Humphreys (Burnley) makes a rough challenge and the referee blows for a foul.
82'
One of the defenders reacts at the last minute to brilliantly block a pass from Marcus Edwards (Burnley).
80'
Substitution. Liam Delap (Chelsea) replaces Joao Pedro.
80'
Here is a change. Malo Gusto is going off and Liam Rosenior gives the last tactical orders to Jorrel Hato (Chelsea).
80'
The keeper doesn't have to worry about this one. Marcus Edwards (Burnley) sacrificed accuracy for power, and thus his attempt went well over the bar.
78'
The referee signals a substitution. Jacob Bruun Larsen (Burnley) is brought on as a substitute for Josh Laurent.
77'
Josh Laurent (Burnley) gets on the end of a pass and produces a promising first-time shot towards the top right corner. His effort is blocked by Robert Sanchez with a brilliant diving save!
75'
Here is the reaction to a red card. Liam Rosenior makes a tactical substitution, Cole Palmer leaves the pitch and Tosin Adarabioyo (Chelsea) comes on.
74'
The referee blows his whistle for a foul after Zian Flemming (Burnley) overruns the ball during an attack and makes an aggressive challenge on his opponent.
72'
Lewis Smith blows his whistle and Wesley Fofana (Chelsea) is shown a second yellow card for his foul. His manager will not be pleased. He has lot of time to think about it as he walks off.
72'
Pedro Neto (Chelsea) takes the resulting corner which is well defended.
71'
Pedro Neto (Chelsea) takes the corner but fails to find any of his teammates.
71'
Moises Caicedo (Chelsea) blasts the ball from just outside the box, but his attempt is blocked by the defender.
68'
The corner kick from Reece James (Chelsea) is headed out of the penalty area by one of the defenders.
68'
A pass into the penalty area from Malo Gusto (Chelsea) is intercepted by the defence.
67'
Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea) commits a foul and Lewis Smith immediately signals a free kick.
67'
A dangerous towering header by Joao Pedro (Chelsea) from around the penalty spot goes just wide of the left post. This corner kick didn't change the score.
66'
Pedro Neto (Chelsea) is heading toward the corner flag to take the set piece.
66'
Pedro Neto (Chelsea) whips a promising cross into the box, but the opposition's defence intercepts the ball.
64'
Zian Flemming (Burnley) robs an opponent of the ball and explodes in anger when Lewis Smith blows for a foul.
64'
The game is interrupted as Pedro Neto (Chelsea) is flagged offside.
61'
Wesley Fofana (Chelsea) swings in a cross, but the ball is cleared to safety by one of the defending players.
60'
Malo Gusto (Chelsea) sends a low pass from outside the box to Cole Palmer. He lines up a shot, but the defence intercepts at the last moment.
58'
Zian Flemming (Burnley) is obviously not following the Golden Rule: "Treat others as you want to be treated.“ He makes a bad challenge and leaves Lewis Smith with no other option than to blow for a foul.
57'
Substitution. Lesley Ugochukwu leaves the pitch and is replaced by James Ward-Prowse (Burnley).
57'
A player from Chelsea commits an attacking foul. The referee blows his whistle.
57'
Reece James (Chelsea) takes the corner.
56'
Pedro Neto (Chelsea) finds himself free inside the box and pulls the trigger, but his effort is brilliantly stopped by one of the defending players.
56'
Josh Laurent (Burnley) produces a dangerous lofted cross into the box which is intercepted.
54'
The resulting free kick from Reece James (Chelsea) ends up in the gloves of the keeper.
53'
It looks like Josh Laurent (Burnley) saw red with that tackle. Lewis Smith won't tolerate such behaviour on the pitch and blows for a foul.
53'
Chelsea work the corner short. The ball is passed to a nearby teammate.
52'
Joao Pedro (Chelsea) received a pass inside the box and sent a dangerous shot in on goal, but keep the champagne on ice as one of the defenders stepped in and blocked the effort. It's hard to say whether the keeper would have stopped it.
50'
The foul by Malo Gusto (Chelsea) was seen by Lewis Smith who didn't hesitate to blow the whistle.
48'
Reece James (Chelsea) sends a lofted cross into the penalty area. Unfortunately for him, the opponent's defence deals with his cross comfortably and intercepts it.
46'
Cole Palmer (Chelsea) goes down in the box after a challenge from the defender. Possibly unsighted, the referee just waves play on.
46'
Half-time substitution. Scott Parker decided to make a change. Kyle Walker is replaced by Lucas Pires (Burnley).
46'
The players are back out on the pitch following the half-time break and the second half is about to start.
45+3'
That is it for the first half after the referee blows his whistle and the players head to their respective dressing rooms.
45+2'
Andrey Santos (Chelsea) commits a rough foul. Lewis Smith stops the game and makes a call.
45'
2 min. of stoppage-time to be played.
41'
Jaidon Anthony (Burnley) works the corner short.
41'
Josh Laurent (Burnley) attempts to find his teammate with a pass from outside the box, but the opposition's defence is quick to react and thwarts the attack.
40'
Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea) should know this behaviour is beyond the rules. He was too careless with his challenge and left Lewis Smith no option but to blow his whistle.
39'
Unsporting behaviour by Reece James (Chelsea).
37'
The free kick from the edge of the box is taken by Marcus Edwards (Burnley), who fires in a direct effort just wide of the right post. What a chance!
34'
Wesley Fofana (Chelsea) takes his opponent down and receives a yellow card from the referee.
30'
Hannibal Mejbri (Burnley) is awarded a yellow card.
30'
Lesley Ugochukwu (Burnley) fouls an opponent during an attacking move.
30'
Pedro Neto (Chelsea) gives away a foul for a clumsy challenge. Referee Lewis Smith saw the whole situation.
28'
Reece James (Chelsea) plays in a hopeful cross, but it doesn't find its way to any of the attacking players.
25'
Jaidon Anthony (Burnley) is offside and the linesman raises his flag.
23'
The linesman raises his flag for offside before Joao Pedro (Chelsea) heads on.
23'
Joe Worrall (Burnley) escapes without any punishment from the referee after using excessive force to foul his opponent.
22'
Joao Pedro (Chelsea) commits a rough challenge and Lewis Smith blows his whistle for a foul.
18'
Chelsea have a chance to score from a corner kick, but the ball is cleared by a defender.
17'
Pedro Neto (Chelsea) takes the corner kick and sends the ball among a huddle of players inside the penalty area, but one of the defenders clears it to safety.
17'
A cross from Reece James (Chelsea) fails to reach the box as the defence clears the ball away to safety.
14'
Lewis Smith has a clear sight and sees a foul from Marcus Edwards (Burnley).
13'
The resulting corner, taken by Reece James (Chelsea), comes to nothing.
13'
Cole Palmer (Chelsea) decides to strike the ball towards goal, but his effort fails to threaten the goalkeeper after being well blocked by one of the defenders.
10'
Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea) wastes a big chance! He unleashes a shot from the edge of the box and it goes narrowly over the crossbar.
8'
Zian Flemming (Burnley) makes an overly-aggressive challenge and Lewis Smith blows his whistle for a foul.
8'
A rebound spins to Lesley Ugochukwu (Burnley) inside the box, but his sliced shot flies just over the bar.
8'
There's an opportunity for Jaidon Anthony (Burnley) to deliver the ball into the box from a corner.
5'
No handball! Referee Lewis Smith points to the centre spot to indicate that the goal stands after the VAR review. The Chelsea players celebrate.
5'
Wait! Referee Lewis Smith has indicated he is going to review the Chelsea goal using VAR. It’s probably to see if there was a handball in the build-up.
4'
1 - 0
Goal! Pedro Neto displays great vision and sends a pass to Joao Pedro (Chelsea), who shows brilliant composure inside the box to bury the ball into the back of the net. The score is 1:0.
1'
The match has just started.
The players are out and the match is about to start. Chelsea will have the kick-off.
The referee of today's match will be Lewis Smith.
Show lineups
We now know the starting lineups. You can find them in the match details of this match.
Welcome to our live text commentary, ladies and gentlemen! The starting lineups will be announced very soon, so just sit back and get ready to enjoy the action.