Another valuable three points on the board for Chelsea after a relatively comfortable 90 minutes at Turf Moor.
Chelsea’s first game back from the international break couldn’t have gone much better for Enzo Maresca.
It took the Blues half an hour to manage an attempt on goal, with Burnley looking the better side for much of the first half.
A Pedro Neto header before the break silenced the home crowd, and it was all Chelsea when play resumed. It got a bit messy in the last ten minutes, but the Blues put the result beyond doubt with an Enzo Fernandez goal.
Who was your player of the match vs Burnley?
Here’s how the players got on.
Chelsea player ratings vs Burnley
Robert Sanchez – 6
Sanchez’s first action of the afternoon was a botched throw that bounced off the head of Enzo Fernandez. After that nervy moment, he had little to do, but he did the simple things well.
Reece James – 6
James played just 45 minutes before being subbed off. Concerns of an injury were quelled with the Chelsea captain spotted smiling on the sideline. Maresca wants him fresh for the Barcelona tie.
Tosin Adarabioyo – 6
A clean sheet away from home is exactly what Tosin and Chalobah needed for their confidence. Well played.
Trevoh Chalobah – 7
Again, a solid display. Chalobah got some very important blocks in when Burnley were on top.
Marc Cucurella – 8
Burnley v Chelsea - Premier League
Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images
Cucurella was tactically vital for Chelsea. Burnley’s stubborn press was an issue in the early going, but the Spaniard stepped into midfield and began causing problems.
It was his hold-up play that created Neto’s opener, and he was a constant threat running in behind. Brilliant from Cucu.
Andrey Santos – 8
This was Santos‘ best performance of the season. The biggest compliment that can be paid to the Brazilian is that Moises Caicedo wasn’t missed in the middle of the park.
Defensively, he was a brick wall, shutting down attacks and stifling efforts on goal. Really impressive.
Enzo Fernandez – 7
It was a quieter afternoon for Enzo, playing that deeper role in the midfield. He did make a number of box-crashing runs, but his afternoon was made quite easy by Santos next to him.
He popped up with a goal at the death to seal it for the Blues.
Pedro Neto – 8
Burnley v Chelsea - Premier League
Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images
It was another fine display from Neto. His goal was well taken and he was a valuable outlet for long balls throughout the game.
Estevao was likely rested for the two big fixtures next week, but the Portuguese is making a case to start there himself.
Joao Pedro – 6
Pedro was effective in the 10 role behind Delap. He linked up play with cute flicks and incisive passes.
He picked up good positions as the game wore on, but made way for Marc Guiu for the final 15.
Jamie Gittens – 7
Gittens’ assist to Neto was a delightful whipped cross. He was admittedly quiet enough aside from that, but he impacted the game.
Liam Delap – 6
Delap did some things very well against Burnley, and some things not so much. His powerful runs caused the opposition defence so many issues.
But the decision-making at times was poor. Fernandez should have had a tap-in early in the second half if Delap could have squared it. Still, great to see him in action for the Blues.
Substitutions
Benoit Badiashile
Badiashile came on at half-time and didn’t put a foot wrong.
Malo Gusto
Maresca made the decision to shore up the midfield, replacing Delap with Gusto.
Gusto got his first Chelsea goal against Wolves before the break, and continued his run of form for France. He almost got on the scoresheet again soon after entering the pitch, but he couldn’t direct his effort either side of the keeper.
Marc Guiu
An absolutely fantastic cameo for Guiu. He made the second goal out of sheer will and determination, getting to the by-line and cutting it back for an easy finish for Enzo.
Maresca is happy with Guiu’s Chelsea form — maybe delighted after that effort.