Chelsea failed to see off the challenge of Burnley on Saturday despite taking an early lead, and the stats suggest they were missing their best ball carrier in winger Estevao.
Joao Pedro got the ball rolling on Saturday, and from that point, all the signs suggested Chelsea would go on to secure a comfortable win. But Scott Parker’s side weren’t willing to give up as easily as expected.
Burnley had started to turn the tide after the half-time break, and after Wesley Fofana had been sent off after a ridiculous tackle while on a yellow card, Zian Flemmings scored unmarked from a Burnley corner.
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Chelsea's dropped points from winning positions at home this season
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But the game should have been out of sight after the advantage Chelsea had given themselves after four minutes. Other than a couple of half-chances, however, Chelsea failed to add to their initial one-goal lead.
Chelsea missed Estevao as an alarming stat emerges post-match
Throughout the game, Chelsea managed just eight successful dribbles. A woeful tally that shows how little the Blues players actually took their Burnley opponents on, going past players or reaching the byline.
Estevao of Chelsea FC participates in the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Hull City and Chelsea
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Estevao was absent for the game against Burnley, after complaining of a potential hamstring strain. It saw Liam Rosenior start with Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto out wide. Neto got himself an assist for Pedro.
But a lack of take-ons saw Chelsea fail to provide the necessary guile and desire to go and win the game. According to FotMob, Estevao is the third-best in the Premier League for successful dribbles currently.
An average of 3.2 per 90 minutes, bettered only by Fulham’s record signing Kevin and Man City star Jeremy Doku. The game was crying out for a player like Estevao, and the stats are proof of that.
What Liam Rosenior said about Estevao’s absence on Saturday
Neto was arguably Chelsea’s best player on the day but ultimately, the Blues needed a bit more in the final third if they were ever going to trouble Burnley’s defence. But Estevao has a muscle injury.
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Jason Cundy discussing Estevao Willian and Bukayo Saka
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Speaking after the match, Chelsea boss Rosenior confirmed Estevao has a hamstring issue: “Unfortunately yesterday in the training session, he felt awareness in his hamstring.” The extent of the injury is unclear.
Chelsea will need all of their players fit and firing next time out, as Rosenior’s tenure as Chelsea manager is about to get a whole lot harder. Arsenal on Sunday is next, ahead of an incredibly tough run of fixtures.
Before the end of April, Chelsea face seven Premier League games in which they will face Arsenal, both Manchester clubs, Newcastle and more. Estevao’s ability to get past players will be crucial during that run.
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