Chelsea moved up to second in the Premier League, just three points behind leaders Arsenal, following a comfortable 2-0 victory over struggling Burnley. The goals which came either half of the match from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez, securing Chelsea’s third consecutive league win.
The opener arrived in the 37th minute when Jamie Gittens delivered an excellent cross to the far post, finding Neto, who headed the ball brilliantly across goal and into the net. The first half had few highlights beyond this moment of quality.
Chelsea wrapped up the win late in the game when Fernandez scored in the 88th minute. Substituted Marc Guiu set up the chance with clever play, and Fernandez finished with power from close range to seal the victory.
Burnley struggled to create meaningful chances, managing just two harmless shots on target. Zian Flemming had their best opportunity in the 69th minute, volleying over the bar. The hosts also felt hard done by after a strange first-half incident in which Trevoh Chalobah handled the ball during a goal-kick, but referee Peter Bankes ruled it was not a penalty.
Burnley fielded the same starting XI as in their 3-2 defeat to West Ham before the international break. Chelsea made four changes from their previous league win against Wolves. Midfielder Moises Caicedo, arriving late from Ecuador duty, was rested on the bench. Andrey Santos replaced Caicedo, while captain Reece James, Jamie Gittens, and Tosin Adarabioyo came in for Malo Gusto, Alejandro Garnacho, and the absent Wesley Fofana.
Chelsea’s squad rotation ensured key players remained fresh ahead of a busy week, including a Champions League clash with Barcelona on Tuesday and a Premier League showdown with Arsenal on Sunday. Arsenal, meanwhile, can extend their lead back to six points if they beat Tottenham in the north London derby ahead of facing Chelsea next weekend.
Chelsea’s win underlined their credentials as potential title contenders, recording a third straight away league victory without conceding. Burnley, however, remain in a precarious position, suffering their third consecutive defeat and sitting 17th in the table, flirting with the relegation zone.
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