Chelsea may have secured all three points with a 2–0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor, but former England striker Michael Owen had strong words for Liam Delap’s performance — describing it as a “mixed bag” and urging the 22-year-old to sharpen his decision-making in the final third.

Goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez ensured Enzo Maresca’s side continued their steady climb in the table. But all eyes were on Delap, who led the line from the start before being replaced by Malo Gusto in the 67th minute.

Despite his tireless pressing and physical presence, Delap is still yet to score for Chelsea this season after arriving from Ipswich Town for £30 million.

Speaking on Premier League Productions, Owen didn’t hold back when analysing Delap’s first-half display.

“A mixed bag, I feel,” he said. “I quite like this lad, I do feel he’s got quite a lot to offer, I do think he is quite raw and he can get better.”

But Owen was particularly critical of one moment in the first half where Delap chose to shoot from long range instead of releasing Pedro Neto, who was in a far more dangerous position.

Highlighting the incident, Owen said: “I do think in this situation he needs to be a little bit more unselfish, he probably could have passed it a couple of times.”

He went on to break down exactly what Delap should have done: “If he plays this ball in [to Pedro Neto] and makes a run to take the defender away, he will leave Neto with a one-on-one in this area.

“I think he’s got to do that instead of being a bit selfish and thinking he’s going to score a goal on his own.”

Instead, Delap opted to strike from distance — much to Owen’s frustration.
“He takes a pot-shot from 25 yards and it’s not great.”

For Chelsea fans, it’s a reminder that while Delap has all the physical tools and plenty of talent, he’s still adapting to top-level Premier League football. His movement, pressing energy and willingness to battle defenders were evident, but the cutting edge is still missing — and Owen’s comments underline the need for composure and teamwork in key moments.