Malo Gusto limped off the field during Chelsea’s recent 2-2 draw against 10-man Burnley, leaving the Blues disappointed with the outcome at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s woes began when Cole Palmer netted the first goal from a penalty just before halftime, capitalizing on Lorenz Assignon’s dismissal for a foul on Mykhailo Mudryk in the box.
Despite Chelsea’s efforts, Josh Cullen equalized shortly after the break, setting the stage for a tense second half.
While Cole Palmer seemed to have secured victory with a late goal, Dara O’Shea’s 81st-minute equalizer dashed Chelsea’s hopes of a win.
The draw proved to be a setback for Chelsea, who currently sit 11th in the standings with only four wins this season.
For Mauricio Pochettino, the disappointment was compounded when Malo Gusto limped off the field with a suspected hamstring injury in the 87th minute, prompting Alfie Gilchrist to replace him.
Gusto has been one of Chelsea’s standout players this season, particularly in the absence of captain Reece James, who has been sidelined due to injury for much of the campaign.
injuries have plagued Chelsea throughout the season, with ten more players, including Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana, ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.
The underwhelming performance against Burnley only adds to the pressure on Pochettino, who has faced criticism from Chelsea supporters.
The manager expressed his frustration, stating, “We are a team that creates numerous chances going forward but fails to convert them all.” He lamented the team’s lack of skills, stamina, appetite, and competitiveness in the Premier League, expressing disappointment and anger at the outcome.
Pochettino emphasized that the team’s shortcomings were not just physical but also mental and emotional, indicating that there is room for improvement in both aspects of the game.
As Chelsea grapples with injuries and inconsistent performances, Pochettino faces the challenge of rallying his team and finding solutions to their on-field struggles.
