Turf Moor witnessed a comfortable 2-0 victory for Chelsea against Burnley on Saturday, with Pedro Neto's first-half goal setting the Blues on their way. Enzo Fernandez sealed the win late in the second half, ensuring Chelsea continued their strong Premier League form.
The victory sees Enzo Maresca's side climb to second in the Premier League table, just three points behind leaders Arsenal, who play Tottenham on Sunday. Chelsea has now won eight of their last ten matches in all competitions, marking a memorable 50th Premier League game in charge for Maresca. Meanwhile, Burnley's struggles continue, with five losses in their last seven league matches.
Chelsea was without the injured Cole Palmer, who fractured his toe in a bizarre domestic accident. Moises Caicedo was also left on the bench, having just returned from international duty with Ecuador. Despite these absences, Chelsea ultimately proved too strong for Burnley.
Burnley started brightly, with their wingers posing an early threat, but they lacked the clinical edge to trouble Robert Sanchez in the Chelsea goal. Chelsea, on the other hand, were initially sloppy in possession, struggling to find their rhythm in midfield without Caicedo.
The game changed in the 37th minute when Jamie Gittens delivered a curling cross to the far post, where Pedro Neto arrived with a diving header to beat Martin Dubravka. It was Neto's fourth goal of the season and his second in as many games. Chelsea continued to dominate possession after the goal, with Neto also striking the woodwork as they searched for a second.
Burnley's best chances came from quick transitions, but they failed to capitalize. As the game drew to a close, Chelsea secured the points in the 88th minute. Neto led a counterattack and found Marc Guiu, whose cut-back was met by Fernandez, who drove the ball home from inside the box.
The win represents a third successive Premier League victory and clean sheet for Chelsea. Attention now turns to a Champions League meeting with Barcelona before a high-profile clash against Arsenal. These upcoming fixtures will test Chelsea's growing momentum at the top end of the table.
