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Chelsea player ratings vs Sheffield United: Noni Madueke justifies start but Benoit Badiashile change costly

Denied: Noni Madueke thought he was Chelsea’s match-winner, but Oli McBurnie soon had other ideas (Nick Potts/PA Wire)
Denied: Noni Madueke thought he was Chelsea’s match-winner, but Oli McBurnie soon had other ideas (Nick Potts/PA Wire)

Oli McBurnie’s last-minute equaliser denied Chelsea a win to dent their hopes of qualifying for Europe in a 2-2 draw away at Sheffield United.

Noni Madueke thought he had won it with a stunning goal but a scrappy McBurnie leveller in added time ensured both sides earned a point on Sunday.

Thiago Silva had opened the scoring with a volley from a corner in the 11th minute. Defender Jayden Bogle then got the Blades level with a shot from a wide angle to equalise, but Madueke restored the lead by cutting inside and finishing on his favoured left foot.

McBurnie then denied Chelsea a chance to cement themselves in the race for Europe.

Nizaar Kinsella was at Bramall Lane to rate the Chelsea players.

Djordje Petrovic - 5

Petrovic made a good save from Gustavo Hamer but was wrong-footed minutes later when Bogle caught him out with a shot from a wide angle.

Trevoh Chalobah - 6

The homegrown star was drafted in to replace Benoit Badiashile and was the most aggressive of the back four.

Axel Disasi - 5

The Frenchman looked a little sloppy playing on the right side of defence as Malo Gusto was rested.

Thiago Silva - 6

The 39-year-old was recalled for his first start since February and volleyed in the opener within 11 minutes. He got away with a big mistake moments later.

Marc Cucurella - 5

The defender was caught out by a through-ball for Bogle’s equaliser.

Moises Caicedo - 6

The midfielder mopped up a Silva mistake and made an important block on Ben Brereton Diaz.

Enzo Fernandez - 6

The Argentine created a big chance for Madueke.

Cole Palmer - 7

The forward didn’t reach the same heights he did against Manchester United but still looked confident in possession and got an assist.

Conor Gallagher - 6

The stand-in captain produced a terrible early shot but then set up Silva’s opening goal.

Noni Madueke - 7

The winger stood up Auston Trusty, cut inside and hit a great finish inside Ivo Grbic's near post.

Nicolas Jackson - 5

The blue-haired striker linked well with his team-mates but wasn’t a real goal threat.

Substitutes

Carney Chukwuemeka - 7

As always, Chukwuemeka looked assured from the substitutes’ bench, with nice touches and passes that initially helped to maintain the lead.

Mykhailo Mudryk - 6

Injected some late pressing energy into Chelsea’s attack.

Benoit Badiashile - 4

Lost McBurnie for the equaliser after coming on to wind down the clock.

Cesare Casadei - N/A

Unused: Bettinelli, Sharman-Lowe, Gilchrist, Sterling, Washington.