Burnley 1 Chelsea 4: Sterling shows Southgate what he’s missing as Blues come from behind to record second straight win
GARETH SOUTHGATE should not delete Raheem Sterling’s phone number from his contacts book just yet.
The Chelsea wide man, 28, has again been left out of the England squad for this week’s games with Australia and Italy.
In fact he has not played for the Three Lions since the World Cup quarter final defeat to France 10 months ago.
Southgate said on Thursday he feels there are forwards who are playing better than the former Manchester City man right now.
If the national team boss is looking for a response from Sterling then he certainly got one here.
He only got his chance because Mykhailo Mudryk was not fit enough to start – but took it with both hands.
When it looked like it could be another worrying day for Mauricio Pochettino’s men, it was Sterling who dragged them back from the brink.
He forced an own goal, won a penalty, scored one himself and even had a hand in the fourth as the visitors eventually won at a canter.
And there can be no doubt if he plays like this then it won’t be long before he adds to his 82 England caps.
He left the field eight minutes from time to a standing ovation from the visiting fans – and fully deserved it.
Those who made the journey from West London recognised the £47 million ace had got them out of a hole here.
He looked in the mood early on as he took a pass from Cole Palmer – who also caught the eye – and cut in before curling a shot inches past the post.
But then a Burnley side – who had lost all four of their games at Turf Moor since returning to the Prem – took control.
Wilson Odobert had already given makeshift right-back Marc Cucurella a bit to think about so it was no surprise when the opener arrived down that side.
Lyle Foster weaved into the box and played in the French teen who steered a low shot past Robert Sanchez.
It was some way to mark his full Prem debut for the 18-year-old.
Credit to Foster too – he stayed on his feet when he could have gone down under a foul from Thiago Silva.
Odobert almost created a second as he once again had Cucurella twisting and turning before lifting a cross to the back post.
Mike Tresor looked to be in but could not direct his effort on goal under pressure from a defender and the chance was gone.
Meanwhile Cucurella was having a ‘mare and was lucky he did not connect with Odobert as he skipped past him – but got a yellow card anyway.
Chelsea were second best at that point but Enzo Fernandez found space at the back post but Cullen got back and timed his tackle perfectly to clear.
Sterling found went past his man and fired a low shot that was smothered at his near post by James Trafford.
The England winger was looking his team’s main threat and the equaliser arrived thanks to more good work from his down the left.
His cross into the box flicked off Ameen Al Dakhil and looped over Trafford – no wonder the home fans groaned.
It was the bit of luck that Pochettino needed as they had been second best since falling behind.
If he said a little prayer while his team was second best then they were certainly answered.
Ameen to that.
Yet the visitors clearly felt ref Stuart Attwell had done them no favours – both Thiago Silva and Poch confronted him as he made his way off at half-time.
Poor old Al Dakhil was replaced by Dara O’Shea at half-time after his slice of bad luck but Chelsea were now on the front foot.
And their extra bit of quality took the game away from the home side.
Sterling was caught by the knee of Vitinho right on the line of the penalty area and the VAR confirmed it was just inside.
Palmer had to wait an age for the checks but kept his composure to send Trafford the wrong way from the spot.
The England Under 21 ace has impressed since his surprise £40 million move from Manchester City and now he has a goal to his name.
Burnley had lost their way either side of the break but almost hit straight back as
Odobert curled a vicious 25 yard effort that was smartly tipped over by Sanchez.
But their hopes of getting back in it were snuffed out as sub Aaron Ramsey was caught out midway through the second half.
Moises Caicedo and Connor Gallagher combined to send Sterling clear down the left.
He looked full of confidence as he thumped a low shot into the far corner and after a VAR check the goal stood.
And Sterling was involved yet again as number arrived 10 minutes later – sending over a cross from the left again.
Palmer could have gone for goal himself but instead laid it off for sub Nicolas Jackson who spun and finished neatly.
Three wins in a row for Chelsea now – and Poch’s Stamford Bridge reign finally has lift off.
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