Matic off as Chelsea draw with Burnley

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Chelsea 1 Burnley 1

Nemanja Matic was sent off as Chelsea were denied victory in a feisty game.

Branislav Ivanovic’s fourth goal in six games looked like earning the Premier League leaders a 12th win in 13 home league matches.

But Matic was dismissed by referee Martin Atkinson after shoving Ashley Barnes following a horrible over-the-ball challenge, and Ben Mee’s header secured a point for Burnley.

Chelsea had dominated the first 70 minutes, but failed to kill the game off.

They had two strong penalty claims rejected and wasted several decent chances to double their lead after Ivanovic’s 14th-minute opener.

The Blues led when right-back Ivanovic turned the ball in from close range after a sublime run and cross from the outstanding Eden Hazard to earn a deserved half-time lead.

Cesc Fabregas, playing in a deeper role to accommodate Juan Cuadrado, was dictating play and allowing Chelsea to control possession.

And after Ivanovic’s opener, Oscar had a shot saved from the edge of the box, Ivanovic was denied what looked a clear spot-kick by the outstretched arm of Michael Kightly.

And Diego Costa also claimed a spot-kick after going down under a challenge from Jason Shackell.

Ivanovic was still providing as big a goal threat as anyone after the interval, his near-post header from a Fabregas corner almost teeing up Matic.

Costa was then through one-on-one after a perfectly timed Hazard pass but his finish was not convincing and Tom Heaton was able to make a comfortable save.

And Chelsea were made to pay for not making their superiority count when Burnley took advantage of Matic’s loss of control.

Seconds after Courtois made a stunning save from a Barnes shot, Mee rose unchallenged at the far post to head in Kightley’s corner.

The result means Chelsea extend their lead over Manchester City, who play Newcastle United in the evening kick-off.

Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Filipe Luis; Matic, Fabregas; Cuadrado (Willian 63), Oscar, Hazard; Costa.
Subs: Cech, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Ramires, Drogba, Remy.

 

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