Chelsea were certainly not the best opponents for Burnley considering recent results, but the early moments didn’t reflect that. The home team started stronger and created three early chances through Loum Tchaouna and Jaidon Anthony, though all three attempts were blocked by Chelsea defenders at the last moment.

Chelsea appeared somewhat cautious in the early stages, finding it hard to settle, and by the 30-minute mark, a blocked shot from Pedro Neto was the only time they really threatened near Burnley’s goal.

Trevoh Chalobah was the first Chelsea player to test Martin Dubravka, but even when he managed a shot on target, the Slovak goalkeeper comfortably saved it.

Enzo Maresca’s team finally came alive before halftime, with a last-ditch block from Kyle Walker stoppingJamie Gittens from scoring at the far post. Undeterred, Gittens played a crucial role moments later as Chelsea took the lead by delivering a perfect cross to the back post where Neto ghosted in to head the ball home.

Chelsea looked much more threatening after the break but still lacked creativity. Gittens nearly doubled their lead when his deflected shot narrowly missed the post, but holding a one-goal advantage, they were unlikely to feel secure.

They came very close to a second goal shortly after the hour mark when Neto’s shot hit the post. Zian Flemming gave a brief warning of Burnley’s threat when he volleyed over inside the box, a chance that prompted Scott Parker to make three substitutions after it went to waste.

Burnley’s triple change did not have the intended effect as they continued to find it difficult to break down Chelsea’s resilient defense. Maresca’s side were able to relax in the final moments after adding a second goal, with Marc Guiu doing the hard work by outmuscling a defender before setting up Enzo Fernandez to calmly finish into an empty net.

The defeat increases Burnley’s relegation worries, while for Chelsea it served as an ideal preparation for a busy week ahead facing Barcelona and Arsenal.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Andrey Santos (Chelsea)

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