Post-international break monotony – Neto and Fernandez keep Chelsea in step with the top

Chelsea continue their run of good results in the Premier League. True, Maresca’s team’s matches aren’t spectacular, but that won’t stop the London club from staying in the title race. This time, a 2–0 victory at Turf Moor.

Chelsea went into halftime with a 1–0 lead after a generally uneventful but ultimately controlled first half at Turf Moor.

Burnley’s midfield gifted Chelsea the first real opening in the 9th minute. After a poor reaction in the center of the pitch, Liam Delap picked up the loose ball and drove toward the box. However, the former Ipswich forward fired over the bar despite having several teammates in good positions.

The following 20 minutes offered little in terms of excitement, with both sides struggling to create clear chances. In the 20th minute, Tchaouna attempted an ambitious first-time strike from nearly 30 meters after receiving the ball from the left, but his effort went straight into Sanchez’s hands.

Chelsea finally began to show signs of life just past the half-hour mark. In the 31st minute, Trevoh Chalobah tried his luck after what had been a poor opening spell for Enzo Fernandez’s team, but Dubravka comfortably gathered the shot.

Three minutes later came Chelsea’s biggest chance yet. After a well-worked move down the right, Pedro Neto burst forward and whipped in a low cross toward Gittens, only for Kyle Walker to roll back the years with a crucial last-second intervention, clearing the ball just before it reached the Chelsea winger.

The breakthrough arrived in the 37th minute. Chelsea built patiently from the back through Marc Cucurella, who combined with Gittens on the left. Gittens then switched the play to Pedro Neto on the opposite side, and the Portuguese forward headed past Dubravka to give Enzo Maresca’s side a deserved 1–0 lead. The goal is HERE!

Chelsea opened the second half with more intent, and in the 47th minute Joao Pedro tried his luck from around 20 meters out, but his effort sailed well over Dubravka’s crossbar. The game remained open, with both teams trading half-chances.

In the 58th minute, Gittens attempted an eye-catching strike from the edge of the box, aiming to beat the Burnley keeper with flair, but his shot drifted just wide. Chelsea kept pushing, and Pedro Neto came close in the 63rd minute when his low effort from the right side of the box struck the far left post, leaving Dubravka rooted.

Burnley responded with their biggest opportunity of the match in the 69th minute. Flemming met a brilliant cross and took a clean first touch, but he couldn’t control the finish—sending the ball over Robert Sanchez’s goal.

Chelsea nearly doubled their lead in the 77th minute when Pedro Neto set up Malo Gusto, who struck first-time from a very promising position. Dubravka managed to stop the shot, though not entirely convincingly, keeping his team within reach.

Everything was pointing toward a one-goal finish, but Enzo Fernandez ruined that script by putting Chelsea 2–0 up. It all started from the back line — Neto did a great job, Mark Guiu as well, and Enzo Fernandez simply pushed the ball into the net. The goal is HERE!

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE ROUND 12

Saturday

Burnley - Chelsea 0-2 (0-1)

/Neto 37, Fernandez 88/

18.00: (1.67) Bournemouth (4.20) West Ham (4.80)

18.00: (1.95) Brighton (3.80) Brentford (3.90)

18.00: (2.15) Fulham (3.35) Sunderland (3.80)

18.00: (1.42) Liverpool (4.85) Nott.Forest (7.00)

18.00: (3.90) Wolverhampton (3.45) Crystal Palace (1.98)

20.30: (3.65) Newcastle (3.85) Man.City (2.00)

Sunday

17.00: (3.05) Leeds (3.25) Aston Villa (2.40)

19.30: (1.45) Arsenal (4.70) Tottenham (8.00)

Monday

23.00: (1.80) Man.Utd. (3.70) Everton (5.00)

****odds are subject to change***