Chelsea's collapse against Burnley was their 17th dropped point from a winning position at home this season. Leading 1-0 after 63 minutes, they crumbled yet again, drawing 1-1. This isn't just a bad run of form; it's a full-blown defensive crisis that threatens to derail their entire campaign.

The Numbers Don't Lie

Chelsea's defensive record is a damning indictment of their season. They have conceded 11 goals from defensive set pieces, the worst tally in the Premier League. Their expected goals (xG) when defending dead-ball situations stand at 13.5, a statistic that underscores their struggles in this area. These numbers are not just bad; they are catastrophic for a team with Chelsea's resources and ambitions.

Their disciplinary record is equally concerning. Chelsea have received six red cards this season, a figure that speaks to their struggles to maintain composure and discipline on the pitch. This is not just about individual mistakes; it's about a systemic issue that needs addressing.

A Pattern of Defensive Collapse

The latest draw with Burnley was a microcosm of Chelsea's season. Leading 1-0, they conceded an equalizer from a set piece, a scenario that has become all too familiar. Manager Liam Rosenior acknowledged the issue post-match, stating, "We've set fire to four points from two home games. It's not good enough for a club of this level for me to say we were the better team."

This is not a new problem. Chelsea's defensive struggles have been a recurring theme throughout the season. Their previous league match, a 2-2 draw with Leeds, followed a similar pattern. Leading 2-1, they conceded late to draw, highlighting their inability to see out games. This is a team that has shown promise in spells but lacks the defensive solidity to convert that promise into points.

The Set-Piece Problem

Chelsea's struggles from set pieces are a significant part of their defensive woes. They have conceded more goals from set pieces than any other team in the Premier League. This is not just about individual errors; it's about a lack of organization and discipline in defensive set-piece situations. Rosenior has acknowledged this, stating, "We need to have players you can rely on in the moment to do their jobs. Set plays are massive in the Premier League."

The issue is not just about the defenders. It's about the entire team's approach to defending set pieces. Chelsea's defensive line often struggles to maintain its shape, and their marking is often lax. This lack of organization has been exploited by opposition teams, leading to goals that have cost Chelsea crucial points.

The Manager's Perspective

Liam Rosenior has been open about the challenges he faces. He has spoken about the need to learn about his players and identify those who can be relied upon in crucial moments. "I'm learning about the players. I'm learning about the people you can lean on when things aren't going your way and you need to see a game out," he said. This is a manager who is still finding his feet, and the defensive struggles are a part of that learning curve.

Rosenior has also been quick to defend his players, particularly Wesley Fofana, who has been criticized for his defensive lapses. "That wasn't on Wesley [Fofana]. That was on our performance. From the first goal, we lacked incision when we had control," he said. This is a manager who is still building his team, and the defensive struggles are a part of that process.

The Road Ahead

Chelsea's defensive struggles are a significant challenge, but they are not insurmountable. The first step is acknowledging the problem and addressing it head-on. This means improving their defensive organization, particularly from set pieces. It also means ensuring that their players maintain their composure and discipline on the pitch.

The second step is building a defensive unit that can be relied upon. This means identifying players who can step up in crucial moments and providing them with the support they need. It also means ensuring that the defensive line is well-drilled and organized, capable of maintaining their shape and marking effectively.

The third step is learning from their mistakes. Chelsea have shown promise in spells, but they need to convert that promise into points. This means learning from their defensive lapses and ensuring that they do not repeat the same mistakes. It also means building a defensive unit that can be relied upon, capable of seeing out games and securing crucial points.

Chelsea's defensive struggles are a significant challenge, but they are not insurmountable. With the right approach and the right players, they can overcome these challenges and build a defensive unit capable of competing at the highest level.