Chelsea secured a 2-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday, propelled by goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández. The win allows Chelsea to climb the Premier League table and close the gap on league leaders Arsenal.
The match began with Burnley showing early promise, threatening to score, but Chelsea capitalized on their opportunities. In the 37th minute, Pedro Neto scored with a header following a cross from Jamie Gittens. Enzo Fernández sealed the victory with a late goal in the 88th minute, assisted by Marc Guiu. Fernández's goal was a powerful shot that found the back of the net, solidifying Chelsea's lead.
Chelsea's win marks their third consecutive league victory without conceding a goal, a feat they haven't achieved since March 2022. This victory moves Chelsea up the table, putting them in a stronger position as they approach a crucial phase of the season.
Manager Enzo Maresca expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, particularly highlighting their improved counter-pressing. Maresca noted that the team's progress is due to the time spent together, enhancing their ability to win the ball back quickly. He also confirmed that both Enzo Fernández and Pedro Neto recovered well during the international break and were fit for the game.
Despite the win, Chelsea faced challenges during the match. Cole Palmer was absent due to a fractured toe sustained in an accident at home. Moisés Caicedo also did not start, with Andrey Santos taking his place in the lineup. However, Santos delivered a strong performance, contributing to Chelsea's control in midfield.
Burnley, managed by Scott Parker, struggled to create significant chances in the second half. Despite some promising moments in the first half, they couldn't convert their opportunities into goals.
Looking ahead, Chelsea faces a challenging schedule with upcoming matches against Barcelona in the Champions League and Arsenal in the Premier League. These games will be crucial for Chelsea as they aim to maintain their momentum and compete at the highest level.
The Chelsea starting XI featured Rob Sanchez in goal, with a defense of Reece James, Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah, and Marc Cucurella. Andrey Santos partnered with Enzo Fernández in midfield, while Pedro Neto, Jamie Gittens, and Joao Pedro supported Liam Delap in attack.
