Chelsea's defence of their Premier League crown got off to a chaotic start today as Burnley walked away from Stamford Bridge with a 3-2 victory, this afternoon.
Antonio Conte was already missing Victor Moses and Pedro due to suspension with Eden Hazard, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Diego Costa also unavailable before Gary Cahill and Cesc Fabregas added to the Chelsea manager's woes by receiving their marching orders against the Clarets, ruling them both out of next week's clash with Tottenham.
The Premier League champions did rally late on, following the second half introduction of Alvaro Morata, who scored one then laid on another for David Luiz to briefly give the Blues hope of completing a remarkable comeback. However it wasn't enough and Sean Dyche's men left with all three points.
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Not only was today's result at Stamford Bridge the first time Burnley have won an opening game in the Premier League era, it also meant that Chelsea became the first reigning Premier League champions to have shipped three goals on the first day of the season.
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With games against Tottenham, Everton and Arsenal on the horizon, Antonio Conte will be hoping his team can rediscover the form that won them the Premier League title with such ease, last season, otherwise this season's title defence may go the same way as the Blues last defence, which saw Jose Mourinho relieved of his duties before Christmas.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Chelsea, Football, Premier League, Burnley
