Scott Parker will be very pleased with how the second half of Burnley’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea played out.
After just four minutes into the match, it looked like it was going to be a very long afternoon for Burnley at Stamford Bridge.
Joao Pedro scored, giving Chelsea something to build on very early in the game. However, the Blues could not capitalise on that, and in the second half, Wesley Fofana ended up getting sent off.
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Wesley Fofana's replacement after Chelsea red card
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Eventually, Burnley were able to make their one-man advantage count, scoring a stoppage-time equaliser.
Chelsea's English defender #34 Josh-Kofi Acheampong (C) reacts on the pitch
Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images
Scott Parker happy with how Burnley managed game against 10-man Chelsea
It is not always easy to play against a 10-man side. Often, they sit back and make it difficult for the opponent to break them down.
However, Parker was very content with how Burnley played against 10-man Chelsea and even felt that the Clarets could have won the game.
Speaking after the full-time whistle, Parker said via Burnley’s official club website: “When they went down to ten, we managed the game really well. Our application and execution during that final 20 minutes really impressed me.
“We showed incredible desire to keep going and we were rewarded with a deserved point at the end. Of course we’re pleased with a point — but we’re probably a little bit regretful that we didn’t nick it late on.”
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Goalscorer Zian Flemming was also a bit disappointed, sharing his manager’s sentiment about the final scoreline.
Scott Parker, Manager of Burnley, reacts
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Liam Rosenior on Wesley Fofana’s red card
Many Chelsea fans will be frustrated with Fofana. Yet again, they have had to watch another one of their players dismissed.
Because the Blues have had so many red cards this season, Liam Rosenior may feel that he has to have a word with Fofana.
For now, though, the Chelsea head coach is refusing to put the blame on his defender, highlighting how poorly the rest of the team dealt with the set piece that led to Flemming’s goal.
In his post-match press conference, which has been shared by Chelsea’s official club website, Rosenior said: “No, that wasn’t on Wesley. That was on our performance.”
He later added: “The red card happens, you’re down to 10 men. We knew their biggest threat with [James] Ward-Prowse on the pitch was set plays. We went as big as we possibly could because that was the only way they could score with 10 men. We still don’t see it out.”
It is more dropped points for Chelsea, which could prove costly come May. It is really tight in the race for Champions League qualification, so Saturday was a real blow.
Things do not get any easier for the Club World Cup winners either. They take on Arsenal next.
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