Chelsea FC have pulled ahead in the race for Champions League places. The Blues initially struggled at Burnley FC but turned up the heat after the break.
Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel made a good rotation after the 3-2 win over Luton Town in the FA Cup during the week, bringing in six newcomers in Chalobah, Thiago Silva, James, Kanté, Pulisic and Havertz. Werner and Lukaku, among others, had to take their place on the bench in return.
One familiar face in Burnley coach Sean Dyche’s starting line-up from the Bundesliga was found in attack: ex-Wolfsburg man Weghorst started as one of two strikers.
Weghorst and McNeil miss lead for Burnley
In their first Premier League game since Roman Abramovich’s retirement, the Blues initially struggled. The home side put Chelsea’s backline under pressure early on. Lennon (8th) and McNeil (12th) created the first approaches.
The most dangerous chance for Chelsea was missed by James, whose shot was just blocked (15th). Otherwise, the Blues dominated the game, but it was mainly the home side who created the penalty area: Weghorst narrowly missed the lead when his shot from a few metres out was blocked by Thiago Silva, who was just in front of the line (17.). A little later, McNeil had a clear run after an inadequate fist save by Mendy, but shot over the goal from close range (30.).
Three goals in eight minutes: Chelsea turn up the heat after the break
The game went into the break with a goalless draw, but that was soon to change: James opened the scoring in the second half with a fine strike, first outmuscling McNeil on the right and then finishing into the far corner from an acute angle (47th). Shortly afterwards Havertz scored a brace: Within three minutes the attacker scored first with his head (52.) and then from close range (55.).
Pulisic completed the scoring a quarter of an hour later when Tarkowski made a serious mistake and deflected a cross right to the feet of the Chelsea attacker. The former Dortmund man then had no trouble overcoming Burnley keeper Pope (69th).
Chelsea then controlled the game and kept the ball circulating in their own ranks. There was not much going forward, but Burnley did not show any offensive resilience after conceding four goals in 25 minutes.
The home side have to collect points against relegation against other competitors. The next chance comes next Saturday (4pm) at Brentford FC. Chelsea FC, on the other hand, who host Norwich City next Thursday (8.30pm), could advance in the race for the Champions League places.
