Football: Vokes At Double As Burnley Catch Chelsea Cold

Champions Chelsea had Gary Cahill and Cesc Fabregas sent off as the defence of their Premier League title began with a stunning 3-2 home defeat by Burnley

LONDON, , (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Aug, 2017 ) - Champions Chelsea had Gary Cahill and Cesc Fabregas sent off as the defence of their Premier League title began with a stunning 3-2 home defeat by Burnley on Saturday.

Disjointed and embarrassed in the first half, Chelsea threatened to mount the most unlikely of comebacks in a stirring second-half display, but just failed to overcome their numerical disadvantage.

Sam Vokes was Burnley's match-winner with a brace and Alvaro Morata's lively Chelsea debut -- a goal and an assist for David Luiz -- came in vain. Chelsea manager Antonio Conte's bleak afternoon began in the 14th minute when new club captain Cahill was shown his first red card in five seasons.

Attempting to dribble forward, Cahill saw the ball run away from him and tried to block Steven Defour's clearance. Instead, his studs caught the Belgium midfielder on the shin and while \ it was accidental, it was also reckless and referee Craig Pawson immediately brandished the red card.

The composure of the Chelsea players disappeared for the remainder of a half that will not be quickly forgotten.

Fabregas was booked for sarcastically applauding Pawson's decision to give a free-kick against him and much worse was to follow.

That was due in part to the belief that Burnley now possess, having retained their Premier League status last season. The visitors were also assisted by disarray in the Chelsea defence in spite of the introduction of Andreas Christensen to replace unfortunate debutant Jeremie Boga.

Without Cahill to guide him through his defensive duties, Luiz lapsed into carelessness. He ought to have been closer to Burnley striker Vokes when Matthew Lowton curled in a 24th minute cross, but the Welshman was given space to clip a volley off Luiz's heels and past Thibaut Courtois.

Six minutes before half-time, left-back Stephen Ward made it 2-0 in stunning fashion. Ignoring the obvious opportunity to launch a cross into the Chelsea area, the visitors played a free-kick short.