London – Chelsea surrendered two crucial points on Saturday, February 21, 2026, drawing 1-1 with relegation-threatened Burnley at Stamford Bridge. João Pedro scored for Chelsea, but a late equalizer from Zian Flemming, coupled with Chelsea playing with ten men, saw the points shared. The result leaves Chelsea's Premier League ambitions in question, while Burnley gained a vital point in their fight for survival.
Match Overview and Key Moments
The match, played in front of a frustrated home crowd, saw Chelsea take the lead through Brazilian forward João Pedro. Pedro, who joined Chelsea in July 2025, continued his strong scoring form for the club. However, the game shifted dramatically when Chelsea was reduced to ten men after a red card. Burnley capitalized on their numerical advantage in the dying moments of the game. Zian Flemming's dramatic stoppage-time header secured a crucial draw for the visitors.[transfermarkt+4]
Chelsea had shown good form leading into the game, with their overall performance in the Premier League 2025/2026 season being described as "Good," winning 44% of their matches and sitting fourth in the league table. Theyhad not lost their last six consecutive matches before this draw. Burnley, on the other hand, entered the fixture in "Very Poor" overall form, sitting 19th in the Premier League table. Despite their struggles, Burnley has shown resilience, gaining six points from losing positions in their past six away games.[fotmob+3]
Chelsea Player Ratings
Chelsea players faced scrutiny after failing to secure a win against a team fighting relegation, especially after taking the lead.
- João Pedro (Forward): 7/10
Pedro delivered the opening goal, showcasing his predatory instincts in front of the net. His movement and finishing were sharp, proving once again his value to the Chelsea attack. He has been a key player for Chelsea, with a strong season in the Premier League.
- Cole Palmer (Midfielder): 6.5/10
Palmer displayed flashes of his creative brilliance, attempting to unlock the Burnley defense. His passing was generally accurate, but he struggled to consistently impact the game after the red card.
- Enzo Fernández (Midfielder): 6/10
Fernández worked tirelessly in midfield, attempting to control the tempo. He distributed the ball effectively but was overwhelmed at times as Burnley pressed with their extra man.
- Moisés Caicedo (Midfielder): 5.5/10
Caicedo had moments of strong defensive play, but his influence waned as Chelsea battled with ten men. He struggled to cover the vast spaces in midfield, leading to increased pressure on the defense.
- Defensive Line (Overall): 5/10
The defense, including players like Reece James and Levi Colwill, faced immense pressure after the red card. While they held firm for much of the second half, the late equalizer exposed their vulnerability. Conceding a late set-piece goal will be a point of concern for the coaching staff.
Burnley Player Ratings and Resilience
Burnley's performance was characterized by grit and determination, particularly after going a goal down and then facing ten-man Chelsea.
- Zian Flemming (Forward): 7/10
Flemming emerged as the hero for Burnley, scoring the dramatic stoppage-time equalizer. His goal provided a massive boost to the team's survival hopes. He is one of Burnley's top scorers this season.[fotmob]
- Josh Cullen (Midfielder): 7/10
Cullen was a driving force in Burnley's midfield, tirelessly pressing and distributing the ball. His work rate was crucial in disrupting Chelsea's rhythm and creating opportunities. He has been a standout performer for Burnley this season.
- Jaidon Anthony (Forward): 6.5/10
Anthony showed good pace and attacking intent, constantly looking to exploit the flanks. His efforts contributed to the pressure that eventually led to Burnley's late goal. He leads Burnley's scoring in league play with 6 goals this season.
- Quilindschy Hartman (Defender/Midfielder): 6.5/10
Hartman was key in Burnley's build-up play and delivered the assist for the equalizer, showcasing his ability to create chances. He is the chief creator for Burnley in league play.
- Defensive Line (Overall): 6/10
Burnley's defense, including players like Martin Dubravka, remained organized despite Chelsea's early pressure. They absorbed attacks effectively and grew in confidence as the game progressed, ultimately earning a valuable point.[fotmob]
Tactical Battle and Manager Reactions
The match was a tale of two halves, tactically. Chelsea started strong, aiming to dominate possession and break down Burnley's compact defense. Their early goal through João Pedro reflected this intent. However, the red card forced a significant tactical shift. Chelsea had to defend deeper, sacrificing attacking impetus for defensive solidity.
Burnley, managed by Scott Parker, adapted well to the changing circumstances. They maintained their defensive shape but pushed higher up the pitch after the red card, pressing Chelsea's depleted midfield and defense. Their persistence paid off with the late equalizer.[fotmob]
Following the draw, frustration was evident within the Chelsea camp regarding the dropped points. The inability to hold onto a lead against ten men will be a significant talking point. For Burnley, the late equalizer was a moment of immense relief and a testament to their fighting spirit. The point boosted their Premier League survival hopes.
Impact and Future Outlook
The draw has different implications for both clubs. For Chelsea, currently fourth in the Premier League, it represents a missed opportunity to solidify their position in the top four. They willneed to quickly regroup and address their defensive frailties, especially when playing with a numerical disadvantage. Their next match is against Arsenal on March 1, 2026.[footystats]
For Burnley, the single point is a significant morale boost. It demonstrates their ability to compete and snatch results even against stronger opposition. Currently19th in the league, every point is crucial in their battle to avoid relegation. Burnley'smanager, Scott Parker, will be keen to build on this resilience as they face Everton on March 3, 2026.[sofascore+3]
This result underscores the unpredictable nature of the Premier League and highlights the fine margins that often separate victory from a draw.[goal]
