Chelsea’s hopes of securing European football next season took another blow with a 2-2 draw away to Sheffield United. Thiago Silva and Noni Madueke scored for the Blues but Jayden Bogle and Oli McBurnie ensured the points were shared.
Silva, who hasn't started a game since Crystal Palace in early February out-jumped everyone to connect with a Conor Gallagher cross and put Chelsea ahead. The Blues had deserved the lead up until then following a good start to the game.
But old habits they say die hard, so after taking the lead, Chelsea got comfortable and Sheffield grew in confidence- going close twice before Marc Cucurella lost his man and goalkeeper Djordje Petrović allowing a Jayden Bogle strike to beat him at the near post.
Chelsea looked second best for large parts of the first half after that and early on in the second half before Noni Madueke, who won the penalty that kick-started the win against Manchester United cut in from the right to score a brilliant goal and restore Chelsea’s lead.
Cole Palmer then went close with a strike outside the box, bringing a superb save from Ivo Grbic in post for Sheffield United. Then in the words of former Manchester United defender Gary Neville, the chaos began.
Sheffield United pushed for the equaliser and McBurnie who had worked hard all evening levelled deep into stoppage time to earn his side a deserved point from the game.
Here is how we rated the Chelsea players out there today as Thiago Silva left the pitch with his hands in his head.
5. Conor Gallagher-6
He was hands on deck all game. Tacking and running to cover for his teammates. | AFP via Getty Images
6. Trevoh Chalobah-6
Strong and solid performance even though he could not ensure a clean sheet. | Getty Images
7. Thiago Silva -6
Scored a brilliant header on his return to the team. Had a few moments when he looked hesitant but all round a good game. | Getty Images
8. Enzo Fernandez-6
He was effective without really standing out. These are the kind of games when you expect him to impose himself. He just doesn't do that. | Getty Images