Dúbravka vows Burnley unity after Chelsea defeat drops them into bottom three

Burnley’s fight for Premier League survival took another hit this weekend as a 2–0 defeat to Chelsea sent Scott Parker’s side dropping into the bottom three. It was their third consecutive loss, and although the performance showed courage and competitiveness, the outcome felt painfully familiar. Once again, Burnley matched a top side for effort but lacked the decisive quality in both boxes.

Veteran goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka admitted the frustration is growing — but insists unity inside the dressing room must remain their foundation for turning things around. Speaking to the club’s official YouTube channel, the 36-year-old stressed that the team must “stick together” despite their precarious position.

“We’re disappointed,” he said. “We worked so hard to get the result… we created some half chances, but they punished us. It’s frustrating because you really try, you push, and you don’t get the result.”

Burnley pressed Chelsea aggressively, moved the ball well at times and were far from overpowered. Yet the decisive moments fell the other way. Pedro Neto’s opener and Enzo Fernández’s late finish exposed the same issue Parker has faced throughout the season: Burnley can compete for long spells, but they struggle to convert territory into points against top-half sides.

Dúbravka acknowledged as much. “If you don’t score the goals, that’s obviously a disappointment. But we’re winning together and we’re losing together,” he said. The Slovak keeper also insisted there were “loads of positives”, praising the bravery in possession — something Chelsea actually allowed at times — but reiterated that Burnley must find a way to turn performances into results.

Having followed Burnley throughout the season, the biggest issue isn’t effort — it’s efficiency. In our view, Parker’s side are structurally improving, particularly defensively, but they lack a consistent threat in the final third. Because of this, every conceded goal feels fatal, and that pressure creates its own tension.

Although some supporters fear the squad lacks Premier League quality, other indications point differently: Burnley’s numbers in several recent matches suggest they are competitive until decisive phases. This seems optimistic considering the league’s unforgiving margins, but it also hints that minor improvements — rather than drastic overhauls — could change trajectory.

From my experience covering relegation battles, teams who maintain unity and clarity of roles often survive, even with limited firepower. Dúbravka’s message of togetherness isn’t just talk; it’s essential.

Burnley need more incision on counter-attacks. Against Chelsea, they progressed the ball well into midfield but lacked decisive runs in behind. Parker may need to consider a more direct option up front to ease pressure on the midfield and give Burnley outlets when defending deep. Additionally, the team must turn set pieces into a weapon — something they’ve underused this year.

A slight shift in risk-taking could be decisive in fixtures against teams closer to them in the table.

Burnley face a crucial fixture against Brentford on 29 November 2025, a match that could shape their December outlook. With Chelsea and other top sides behind them for now, Parker must convert performances into precious points.

👉 Burnley fans — are performances good enough to trust the process, or must Parker change more urgently?