Edouard Mendy's inspiring Premier League clean sheet run came to an end on Saturday as Chelsea settled for a 1-1 draw against Burnley.
The Senegal international had not conceded a goal in his last three league matches - a feat that saw him garner six clean sheets in the 2021-22 campaign after nine top-flight matches.
That impressive course came to an end against the Clarets as Thomas Tuchel's men paid heavily for their lethargic display at Stamford Bridge.
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Lifted by Reece James' assist, Kai Havertz put the hosts ahead in the 33rd minute. James' contribution means he has now been involved in seven Premier League goals this season (4 goals, 3 assists) - only Mohamed Salah (16), Michail Antonio (9) and Jamie Vardy (8) have been involved in more so far this term.
With the reigning European kings looking destined for all points, Sean Dyche's men levelled matters in the 79th minute thanks to an assist from Jay Rodriguez.
Notwithstanding a late attacking surge by Chelsea, they were unable to get the winner as the Clarets put up a superb defensive showing.
Although Mendy was rarely threatened, he contributed 32 touches, 83 passes, and a passing accuracy of 90.4 percent.
Buoyed by the African star's commanding display for the English team following his move from Rennes, former England international Peter Crouch claimed the 29-year-old could be the missing piece that will help Chelsea win titles this season.
"It is Mendy's overall contribution that has given them an added calmness since he arrived from Rennes last year. His touch is spot on when dealing with horrendous back passes, he comes and takes crosses with authority," Crouch wrote in his Daily Mail column.
"Look at all the teams to have lifted the league title and one common theme is trust in an exceptional goalkeeper. The signings of Alisson and Ederson altered the outlook for Liverpool and Manchester City, with both going on to finish top.
"Mendy is a major influence in Chelsea now finding themselves in the mix. There are other factors, of course. You have to be strong everywhere but the margins are so fine that the goalkeeper is often a deciding factor.
"Mendy has slotted in seamlessly — signed at 28, with experience and mistakes behind him, he is one of those goalkeepers who goes largely unnoticed most of the time.
"That is exactly the sort of steadiness you want. And when his moment in the spotlight came this weekend, he turned dropped points into three points."
Unbeaten in their last eight matches in all competitions, Tuchel's men are guests of Leicester City on November 20.