Craig Burley identified Romelu Lukaku’s role in last night’s 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion as the one positive for Chelsea.
Speaking on ESPN, the former Blues midfielder made a point of picking out Lukaku’s contribution toward yesterday’s Premier League fixture at Stamford Bridge.
Lukaku firing from the front
Although the overall scene for Thomas Tuchel was one of annoyance and frustration, his striker scoring again can only be viewed optimistically.
The Belgian international grabbed his second league goal in as many games against Brighton, having previously not netted since September.
His opener on Wednesday also coincided with his first start in the top flight for over two months.
It looked for all the world that Lukaku’s first-half header had sealed the victory for Chelsea, until Graham Potter’s men equalised in extra-time.
Tuchel’s team have now won just two of their last league outings, as they continue to slide away from Manchester City at the top of the table.
“They are just not controlling games like they were. The final third, it’s all fallen flat,” said Burley on Chelsea’s current concerns.
“Lukaku has been back in. He came off the bench against (Aston) Villa, he got himself a goal, that’s great for him.
“He got himself another goal today and game time, that’s a positive. But, there’s a lot of negatives.”
Chelsea bruised by Brighton
Aside from a poor run of results, the negatives have mainly revolved around injuries to the squad.
Andreas Christensen and Reece James were forced to be removed against Brighton, with the latter spotted coming out of the stadium on crutches.
Thiago Silva, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ben Chilwell missed the game due to their respective wounds.
Timo Werner continues to regain fitness after contracting covid.
This cycle of absent players has started to take a toll on Chelsea’s rhythm and routine, which is seriously stunting their surge at City’s domestic crown.
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