Matt Scrafton's verdict on Burnley's 3-2 defeat to West Ham
Enzo Maresca was left satisfied with how his Chelsea side manoeuvred a “tricky” lunchtime kick off at Burnley.
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25 photos of Burnley fans arriving at Turf Moor for Premier League fixture again...](https://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/football/25-photos-of-burnley-fans-arriving-at-turf-moor-for-premier-league-fixture-against-chelsea-5413263 "25 photos of Burnley fans arriving at Turf Moor for Premier League fixture against Chelsea")
While the scoreline may suggest it was a comfortable three points for Maresca’s side, that wasn’t the case at all.
“It was a tough game for many reasons,” he admitted.
"After the international break, 12 o'clock kick off, this type of pitch, also we need to manage players, so it was a very tricky game.
"But the way the players competed, again another clean sheet – and I don't think they had just one important chance.
"We conceded some half chances inside the box, but it's part of the game, and overall I think we deserved to win the game and we are happy.”
Maresca shakes hands with Scott Parker prior to kick off (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images)placeholder image
Maresca shakes hands with Scott Parker prior to kick off (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images)
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Maresca also conceded he was surprised to see the Clarets start the game in a back four, having deployed a back five system for every other game against the Premier League’s biggest and best teams.
The switch paid off for the home side in terms of showing more attacking initiative, but they were unable to capitalise on their opportunities.
Maresca added: "For sure when you are Chelsea manager you know that when you lose one game it's a crisis, and if you lose two it's a huge crisis, so you have to be aware of that. But I really enjoy it, because also I like to learn.
"Today we expected to face a back five but they were back four, so after 20 minutes we needed to change the plan and the player adapt. I learn things, so I'm very happy.”
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