Chelsea’s failure to beat Burnley at Stamford Bridge fits an uncomfortable pattern of dropping points against underdog teams, particularly those recently promoted to the Premier League.

In fact, Chelsea defeated Burnley in the first meeting, beating them 2-0 at Turf Moor in November. However, they have not won any other game against a promoted team.

Leeds United, for example, beat Chelsea 3-1 at home before securing a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge last week, and in a very similar fashion to Burnley.

Sunderland went a step further and triumphed at Chelsea’s stadium, beating them 2-1 (scoring the decisive goal in the 93rd minute).

Chelsea’s return visit to the Stadium of Light will not take place until the final matchday of the season, on May 24.

Considering how the race for the top five places is unfolding, that could be the decisive game for their Champions League hopes, but the Blues will have to learn the lesson.

This inability to impose their authority against theoretically inferior rivals reflects a psychological fragility that Chelsea has failed to shake off throughout the campaign.

While their direct competitors pick up points by default in these scenarios, the Blues seem to get tangled up in their own inconsistency, turning routine matches into genuine nightmares that erode their confidence and standing in the standings.

The tactical aspect also leaves reasonable doubts. The vulnerability shown in quick transitions and physical play by teams like Burnley or Leeds suggests the team has not found the necessary defensive balance to withstand a sustained siege.

If they fail to close out games when they have the lead, the risk of being overtaken by the enthusiasm of teams fighting for survival will remain their biggest weakness.

The lesson is clear: Individual talent can win isolated games, but competitive maturity is what secures long-term objectives. Without that change in mentality, the current pattern threatens to turn a season of promise into a resounding failure right at the finish line.

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