By Olukayode Olumuyiwa.
Chelsea secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor, a result that sends the Blues up to second place in the Premier League table. The defeat extends Burnley’s unwanted joint-club record of 10 Premier League home games without a win and heightens their relegation fears.
Burnley Starts Strong, Chelsea Struggles
The match began with the home side, Burnley, looking the brighter. They created three early sightings of goal through Loum Tchaouna and Jaidon Anthony, but all were blocked by Chelsea defenders at the final second.
Chelsea, managed by Enzo Maresca, started timidly and struggled to find their rhythm in the opening exchanges. The Blues’ only true approach near the Burnley area in the first half-hour resulted in a blocked effort from Pedro Neto. Chelsea’s first player to test Burnley’s goalkeeper, Martin Dúbravka, was Trevoh Chalobah, whose effort was easily gathered.
First Goal: Neto Header Breaks the Deadlock
Chelsea eventually clicked into life just before the break. After Kyle Walker denied Jamie Gittens a certain goal with a last-ditch block, Gittens quickly followed up by floating a perfect cross to the back post. Pedro Neto ghosted in around the back and headed the ball home to give Chelsea the lead.
Second Half: Chelsea Closes It Out
Chelsea looked more dangerous after the interval but continued to struggle with creativity. Gittens came close to doubling the advantage, but his deflected effort dropped narrowly wide. Just after the hour mark, Neto came close to an elusive second goal when he crashed an effort against the post.
Burnley, managed by Scott Parker, offered a brief warning sign when Zian Flemming fired a volley over the bar from inside the area. This chance prompted Parker to make a triple substitution in a bid to change the momentum.
However, Burnley’s substitutions did not have the desired effect. Maresca’s side was able to relax in the closing stages as they added a second goal. Marc Guiu did the hard work, muscling off a defender before setting up Enzo Fernández, who swept the ball home into an empty net to seal the 2-0 win.
The victory serves as a perfect warm-up for a busy week for Chelsea, which will see them face European giants Barcelona in the champions league and rivals Arsenal next weekend in the EPL.
Galaxy Sports Production
Should we send you latest update about your favourite sports and team?
Enter you email in the box below and hit the subscribe button to join our teaming 876+ sports community.
