Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea missed the chance to grab all three points against Sheffield United as Oli McBurnie’s stoppage-time equaliser rescued a point for the hosts.
The Blues missed the chance to decrease their point gap with Manchester United by three points as they are fighting for a spot in the European competitions.
Thiago Silva gave an early lead in the 11th minute for the visitors as the Blades were caught sleeping at the back. Conor Gallagher’s corner was effectively put to bed by the unmarked Brazilian defender.
The goal scorer soon found himself in a spot to worry about since his blind-back pass went straight to McBurnie. He passed it to Ben Diaz but somehow they squandered the chance.
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The Blades found their goal when Jayden Bogle equalized in the 32nd minute following an error from Djordje Petrovic. Sheffield dominated the midfield battle as the goal changed the game’s momentum.
In the second half, the hosts started brightly but missed several chances. McBurnie headed wide from a Diaz corner and Hamer hit the side netting a few minutes later.
Jack Robinson was close to receiving a red card following a foul on Cole Palmer. Sheffield lacked discipline in the match as the referee warned them numerous times.
However, Noni Madueke had other plans as his goal and Chelsea’s second came in the 66th minute. It was the youngster’s first goal this year.
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The goal was the only good thing from the Blues’ dismal performance in the match. The winger made sure he capitalized on the opportunity presented to him by Pochettino.
As the game went into extra time, it seemed as if the visitors would steal all three points. But, Sheffield got their much-deserved equaliser through McBurnie. The Irish star netted a final goal in the 93rd minute.
They could have scored the winner but substitute James McAtee wasted a great chance on the break. It was a very poor performance from the Blues after their stunning comeback win against Man United last week.
They need to improve or face being exploited by a stronger club in the upcoming games. Meanwhile, Sheffield finds themselves stuck at the last spot in the league table. They are staring at a relegation battle this season.
What did Pochettino say after the match (as quoted by Sky Sports):
“If we analyse after the game then a draw was fair for both teams. In the Premier League, you need to try to play well and also control games.”
“All the teams in the Premier League are good. Today we conceded in the last few minutes. We feel really bad in the way we conceded but we need to keep moving.”
“We need to be more clinical. The team is scoring a lot of goals but we are conceding too much. We need to find this balance.”
🔵 Pochettino: "The team is not showing in the last few months the capacity to be solid. Even if after Wolves we didn't lose a game in Premier League".
"We score goals but we are conceding. That is why we are being punished. We need to be more clinical". pic.twitter.com/iVGX9Ecez2
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 8, 2024
What’s next for Chelsea?
Chelsea welcome Everton in their next Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.
