Chelsea vs Sheffield United player ratings: Noni Madueke vindicates start but Benoit Badiashile makes costly switch

Oli McBurnie’s last-minute equalizer denied Chelsea a win to dent their European qualification hopes in a 2-2 draw away to Sheffield United.

Noni Madueke thought he had won it with a stunning goal, but an added-time equalizer from McBurnie 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 drew the Blades level with a shot from a wide angle to equalise, but Madueke restored the lead by cutting inside and finishing with his favored left foot.

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

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

Djordje Petrovic – 5

Petrovic saved well from Gustavo Hamer but made a mistake minutes later when Bogle caught him with a shot from a wide angle.

Trevoh Chalobah – 6

The local star was recruited to replace Benoit Badiashile and was the most aggressive of the back four.

Axel Disasi – 5

The Frenchman looked a bit sloppy playing on the right side of the defense while Malo Gusto was rested.

Thiago Silva – 6

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

Marc Cucurella – 5

The defender was caught by a deep ball for Bogle’s equaliser.

Moises Caicedo – 6

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

Enzo Fernandez – 6

The Argentine created a great chance for Madueke.

Cole Palmer – 7

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

Conor Gallagher – 6

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

Noni Madueke – 7

The winger rose to his feet on Auston Trusty, cut inside and produced a superb finish at Ivo Grbic’s near post.

Nicolas Jackson – 5

The blue-haired striker linked up well with his team-mates but was not a real goal threat.

Substitutes

Carney Chukwuemeka – 7

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

Mykhailo Mudryk – 6

He injected some late pressing energy into Chelsea’s attack.

Benoit Badiashile – 4

He lost McBurnie for the equalizer after coming on.

Cesare Casadei – N/A

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