In a result that will leave Chelsea fans staring at the table in disbelief, the Blues threw away a golden chance to strengthen their grip on a top-four spot as Burnley snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Chelsea had looked set for a routine victory after Joao Pedro fired them into a fourth-minute lead, and for long periods they dominated proceedings. But everything changed when Wesley Fofana was shown a second yellow card with just 18 minutes remaining, leaving the ten-man Blues vulnerable.
Burnley, fighting desperately for survival, seized their moment in the most heartbreaking fashion. In the 93rd minute, Zian Flemming rose highest to head home from a corner, sending the away end into ecstasy and the Stamford Bridge faithful into stunned silence.
The Clarets are now just eight points from safety – and Chelsea? They only climbed into the Premier League’s top four on goal difference after failing to turn total dominance into a comfortable three points.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s own top-four hopes took another hit as they were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Leeds at Villa Park. Anton Stach produced a moment of pure magic, curling a spectacular 40-yard free-kick past Emi Martínez at his near post to give the visitors the lead.
Daniel Farke’s Leeds side have now lost just twice in their last 16 games, all but ending any relegation fears. But Villa refused to lie down, and Tammy Abraham popped up two minutes from time to snatch a precious point.
Five Premier League clubs are guaranteed Champions League football next season thanks to English teams’ superb European campaigns, making every point in the race for fourth absolutely priceless.
Liverpool and Manchester United now have the chance to close the gap when they face Nottingham Forest and Everton respectively in the coming days.
Elsewhere, veteran James Milner wrote himself into the history books once again, making his 654th Premier League appearance as Brighton secured a much-needed 2-0 victory at Brentford – their first win in seven games.
Diego Gomez opened the scoring after Ferdi Kadioglu’s thunderous strike came back off the bar, before Danny Welbeck pounced on slack defending to make it 2-0 just before half-time and ease the pressure on boss Fabian Hürzeler.
Manchester City can move to within two points of leaders Arsenal if they beat Newcastle in Saturday’s 20:00 GMT kick-off. The Gunners have handed Pep Guardiola’s men fresh hope with recent disappointing draws of their own.
Arsenal return to action on Sunday in the fiery north London derby away at Tottenham Hotspur.
Unbelievable. But true. Chelsea’s Champions League dream just suffered a devastating blow.