Chelsea player ratings vs Sheffield United: Noni Madueke, Benoit Badiashile, start, costly, justify

Oli McBurnie's late goal denies Chelsea win, denting European hopes in a 2-2 draw with Sheffield United. Dramatic finish!

In a thrilling 2-2 draw away at Sheffield United, Oli McBurnie's last-minute equaliser shattered Chelsea's hopes of securing a crucial victory to boost their chances of qualifying for Europe. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Noni Madueke initially thinking he had secured the win for the Blades with a stunning goal, only for McBurnie to level the score in added time with a scrappy finish.

The match started with a bang as Thiago Silva opened the scoring for Chelsea with a well-taken volley from a corner in the 11th minute. However, the lead was short-lived as defender Jayden Bogle equalised for Sheffield United with a shot from a difficult angle. Madueke then put the Blades ahead with a composed finish on his left foot.

Despite Chelsea's best efforts, McBurnie's late goal ensured that both teams shared the points in an exciting encounter at Bramall Lane. Nizaar Kinsella was on hand to provide player ratings for the Chelsea team, with Djordje Petrovic receiving a mixed bag of reviews for his performance in goal.

Veteran defender Silva impressed with his goal-scoring prowess, while Moises Caicedo put in a solid shift in midfield, making a crucial block to deny the Blades. Conor Gallagher, the stand-in captain, had a mixed game, setting up Silva's goal but failing to make a significant impact in front of goal.

Youngster Carney Chukwuemeka continued to show his promise from the bench, showcasing his composure on the ball and ability to dictate play. Mykhailo Mudryk injected some much-needed energy into Chelsea's attack in the closing stages of the game. However, Benoit Badiashile's late introduction proved costly as he lost McBurnie for the equaliser, highlighting the fine margins in football.

Overall, the match was a testament to the unpredictable nature of the game, with both teams showing moments of brilliance and resilience. Chelsea will be left ruing missed opportunities, while Sheffield United will take heart from their spirited performance against a top side. The race for European qualification continues to heat up, with every point crucial in the final stretch of the season.

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