Chelsea FC held by Burnley FC; late drama across Premier League
LONDON: Chelsea FC’s hopes of securing Champions League qualification suffered a setback as Burnley FC snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, while Aston Villa FC also needed a late goal to rescue a point against Leeds United FC.
Chelsea moved into the Premier League’s top four only on goal difference after failing to build on Joao Pedro’s fourth-minute opener.
The Blues dominated much of the contest until Wesley Fofana was sent off with 18 minutes remaining after receiving a second yellow card.
Burnley capitalised deep into stoppage time when Zian Flemming headed home from a corner in the 93rd minute, keeping the Clarets’ slim survival hopes alive as they moved to within eight points of safety.
Villa, who had defied expectations to stay in the title race alongside Arsenal FC and Manchester City FC until recent weeks, endured another frustrating outing at Villa Park in a 1-1 draw.
Anton Stach stunned the hosts with a spectacular free-kick from 40 yards at an angle that caught Emiliano Martinez out at his near post to give Leeds the lead.
Under Daniel Farke, Leeds have now lost just twice in their last 16 matches, easing fears of being dragged into a relegation battle.
However, Tammy Abraham struck two minutes from time to salvage a point for Villa.
Elsewhere, James Milner set a new Premier League record with his 654th appearance in Brighton & Hove Albion FC’s 2-0 win at Brentford FC.
The 40-year-old started as Brighton ended a seven-game winless run to ease pressure on manager Fabian Hurzeler. Diego Gomez opened the scoring after Ferdi Kadioglu’s stunning strike rebounded off the bar, before Danny Welbeck capitalised on slack defending to double the lead before half-time.
Manchester City FC can move to within two points of leaders Arsenal FC when they host Newcastle United FC in Saturday’s late kick-off.
Meanwhile, Liverpool FC and Manchester United FC have the opportunity to strengthen their Champions League pushes in upcoming fixtures against Nottingham Forest FC and Everton FC respectively.
