Match report Burnley 0-2 Chelsea

The Blues fine record at Turf Moor continues as goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez settle a hard fought contest 

There had been plenty of opportunities for Chelsea before the Portuguese winger met a superb delivery from Jamie Gittens with a diving header on 36 minutes with his third goal in his last five starts to put the Blues ahead. 

Neto came close to a second shortly striking the woodwork on the hour, with Clarets goalkeeper Martin Dubravka saving from Gusto who came on as a sub with the Blues looking to put the game to bed in the first half.

The hosts best chance was wasted by Zion Flemming and though they begun to apply some late pressure, Enzo Fernandez struck from close range with a couple of minutes remaining to secure victory for the Blues to put them up to second 3 points of leaders Arsenal securing a third straight victory in the league without conceding. 

Team news 

Making his 50th premier league game in charge of the Blues Enzo Maresca made four changes to the side which started against Wolves before the international break. 

Both Reece James and Tosin Adarabioyo came in for Wesley Fofana and Malo Gusto in defence with Moises Caicedo starting on the bench , Andrey Santos was given a rare start in midfield partnering Enzo Fernandez whilst Jamie Gittens was given the nod start on the left flank over Alejandro Garnacho.   

Balanced start for the Blues

Within the opening quarter of the hour mark the Blues had some defending to do. Blocks from Trevoh Chalobah, Andrey Santos and Tosin as the Clarets threatened on the flanks through Jaidon Anthony and Loum Tchaouna Santos in particular enjoying an excellent first half mopping up. 

Chelsea looked at their most threatening in transition during the early stages of the game. A fast break ending up with Liam Delap shooting high and wide when he could have passed to Neto or Gittens on either side. 

Both teams were working the ball well into some good areas however, neither were able to apply the finishing touch. On one such occasion shortly after the half hour mark, an excellent turn from Delap freed up Neto whose teasing low cross into the centre was intercepted by Kyle Walker before Jamie Gittens could pouch and convert.

Neto nets again 

However, the two would combine shortly afterwards for the Blues opening goal in the 37th minute. A deep run from Marc Cucurella well spotted by Tosin culminated in the Spaniard doing well to get hold of the ball with two Claret shirts close to him. Cucurella then passed the ball to Gittens who then sent a teasing cross towards the near post which Neto gleefully headed back across and into the net. 

Chelsea kept hold of their lead until half time when Benoit Badiashile replaced Reece James with Trevoh Chalobah shifting over to right back.

A nice Blues counter move involving Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez freed up space for the oncoming Joao Pedro to have a crack from the edge of the box, however, his effort ending up in the stands amongst the Chelsea supporters rather than testing Clarets goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.

Chelsea remained on the front foot as the first half went on, looking to get a second goal to put the game beyond Burnley's reach. 

Close to number two 

Both Cucurella and Gittens had efforts deflected behind as a Pedro Neto shot was fired against the base of the post with Dubravka getting a vital touch to prevent the Portuguese winger from getting his second. 

Midway through the half  Gusto came on for Delap and moved into a more advanced attacking midfield role with Joao Pedro now leading the line. 

The clarets best chance of the game fell to Zian Flemming with 20 minutes remaining after Badiashile had got caught under a high ball. Thankfully the striker was able to scoop his effort well over the bar. 

Fernandez settles it 

Chelsea scored the second goal and killed the game of when Malo Gusto pounced onto a loose ball in midfield and exchanged passes with Pedro Neto before going for goal with Dubravka shovelling the Frenchman's effort over.  

A Clarets corner caused some anxiety in amongst Chelsea's box with Badiashile booked for jostling and when it looked as though the contest would be a nerve jangler Enzo Fernandez settled the game as a contest. 

The goal was made as a result of a pass from Robert Sanchez out of the back with Neto expertly darting in between two Burnley players before slipping the ball into the channel for substitute Marc Guiu to run onto. Guiu showed speed and strength to get away from Axel Tuanzebe with quick awareness then to cut the ball back for the onrushing Fernandez to evade a pair of Clarets players to  put the ball in the back of the net securing three points for the Blues.

What does it mean 

The Blues third consecutive away league win puts them up to second in the premier league table before the remaining of the days premier league games get under way.

What's next 

Next up for the Blues is a tasty champions league game with Barcelona visiting Stamford Bridge with league leaders Arsenal then visiting SW6 on Sunday.