IT had all started so well.

After the heavy defeat to Manchester City last week, the Clarets needed a big performance and for the first 15 to 20 minutes we got one.

We flew out of the traps and had Chelsea on the back foot from the first whistle.

It was probably among the best spells of play we’ve had all season.

But, as has been the case for large parts of this season, we soon dropped back and after Chelsea took the lead through Alvaro Morata, we seemed to retreat further back into ourselves and the intensity levels went.

Chelsea are a fabulous side, there’s no doubt about that, but we didn’t really lay a glove on them after the opening quarter of the game and that isn’t the Burnley we have come to expect under Sean Dyche.

I’ve not been able to put my finger on it but clearly something just isn’t quite right.

Yes, there’s been the odd change to the starting line-up but we were pretty much at full strength on Sunday yet the system just didn’t seem to click.

Not for the first time too many key players were off the boil and in the Premier League you only need one or two to have an average game and the wheels come off pretty quickly, especially against one of the top sides.

Sub Chris Wood had a tame header at Kepa midway through the second half but that was the only time we tested the young Spaniard.

Goals win games and we’re not creating enough chances at the minute.

We welcomed back Robbie Brady and while the winger was a little off the pace, it was great to see him wanting the ball, likewise Steven Defour who got another 90 minutes under his belt.

But neither Brady nor JBG were really able to get any service into Sam Vokes who cut a very lonely figure up top on his own.

The gaffer celebrates six years at the helm this week and his hunger is clearly still there.

I just wish some of his players were showing that bite we know they have because at the moment, we’re throwing up the white flag and are looking a pale version of the side we were last season.

We got a cracking result at West Ham last season and we really need a repeat of that on Saturday.

After shipping nine goals in two games – admittedly against top, top sides – the basics, more than anything else, need to be right at the London Stadium.