Chelsea extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to ten games, as they thrashed Burnley 4-0 at the Turf Moor on Sunday.
Chelsea did not let the absence of star man Eden Hazard affect them as they hammered Burnley 4-0 at Turf Moor to keep up pace with Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Alvaro Morata opened the scoring for the Blues halfway through the first half with a brilliant finish, after Ross Barkley sent him through with a beautiful pass. Twelve minutes into the second period, the England international got into the goal-scoring act himself, driving home a fierce effort from outside the box to make it 2-0.
Willian then made it 3-0 for Maurizio Sarri’s side, with a fine finish after cutting from the left flank, before substitute Ruben Loftus-Cheek capitalized on some horrendous defending by the Clarets to add a fourth in the stoppage time.
The win sees Chelsea move into the second spot in the Premier League standings, two points behind leaders Liverpool and a point ahead of third-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand. The result also meant Sarri became the first ever Chelsea manager to remain unbeaten in his first ten league games in charge.
4️⃣ goals and 3️⃣ points for the Blues! ?#BURCHE pic.twitter.com/eMlsMH2g9t
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 28, 2018
And here’s how the Blues’ stars fared on the day against Sean Dyche’s men;
Kepa Arrizabalaga: 6/10
Failed to deal with a cross from Matthew Lowton early in the game with the score at 0-0 that almost cost his team. Other than that, the Spaniard had very little to do between the sticks with the Clarets hardly threatening, while his distribution was sharp. A comfortable outing and another clean sheet in the bag for the world’s most expensive goalkeeper.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 7/10
The Chelsea captain was rarely troubled by the home team throughout the game, which gave him the licence to run forward and join in attacks with regularity, especially in the first period. An underhit pass to Kepa caused a few nerves, but another reliable display from the Blues’ Mr. Consistent.
Antonio Rudiger: 7.5/10
A dominant display in the heart of the defence from the German international. Stood up against the physical threat posed by Sam Vokes and had little trouble dealing with the Welshman. Distribution out from the back was top notch.
David Luiz: 7.5/10
The Brazilian international hardly had to get out of second gear on the day as Burnley offered very little threat going forward. Nevertheless, stayed alert when needed to be and dealt with whatever little came his way with ease. Has formed a formidable partnership alongside Rudiger.
Marcos Alonso: 7/10
Had a battle at his hands against the dangerous Johann Berg Gudmundsson, but kept the Iceland international quiet all game long. Defended responsibly and wasn’t shy of getting forward to join attacks. Involved in the lead-up to the Blues’ fourth goal.
N’Golo Kante: 8/10
The diminutive Frenchman put in a fantastic all-round performance in the middle of the park. Drove Chelsea forward from the midfield on a number of occasions, while he was always available to offer support in defence when needed. Was involved in the move for the opening goal and then set Barkley up for Chelsea’s third. Effective and industrious.
Jorginho: 8/10
Chelsea’s midfield metronome put on an exhibition of exquisite passing at the Turf Moor, playing some delectable passes in behind and over the Clarets’ defence to create chances for his attacking teammates. Controlled the tempo of the game, never gave the ball away. Replaced late on by Cesc Fabregas.
Ross Barkley: 9/10
The former Evertonian has well and truly come into his own under the tutelage of Sarri this season. Teed up Morata with a peach of a delivery, before scoring the third second goal for Chelsea with a fine strike from distance. Went on to set Willian up for the third goal.
Used the ball intelligently, worked hard in the middle and was involved in everything positive the visitors conjured up in attack. Easily his best display in Chelsea colours and is starting to look like an absolute bargain at £15 million.
Pedro: N/A
Handed a start in the absence of Eden Hazard, the Spaniard looked sharp before being hauled off with an injury after 28 minutes.
Alvaro Morata: 8/10
The Spaniard seems to have finally found his confidence back. Scored the opening goal with a brilliant finish and could have easily had a hat-trick, if not for some heroics from Joe Hart in the Burnley goal and a couple of inaccurate finishes. Led the line brilliantly, showed sharp movement off the ball. Booked for a squabble with James Tarkowski.
Willian: 8/10
Came so close to scoring in the first period, but was denied by Joe Hart once and the woodwork on another occasion. But got his goal in the second period, as he cut in from the left flank to slot home with a fantastic strike. Caused all sorts of problems for the Clarets’ backline. His booking for a blatant dive in the first half was the only blemish in the performance.
Substitutes
Ruben Loftus-Cheek: 7/10
The hat-trick hero from midweek came on at the half-hour mark, replacing the injured Pedro. Drove powerfully and with purpose at the Burnley defence, but was let down by his touch at times. Continued his goal-scoring form with a simple finish from close range in the dying embers of the game.
Olivier Giroud: 6.5/10
Came on to replace Morata in the 74th minute. Saw a left-footed strike drift just wide off the mark, before Hart produced a spectacular stop to deny him a goal. Fired another effort over the bar.
Cesc Fabregas: N/A
Replaced Jorginho with just a little over ten minutes left on the clock. Little time to make an impact.
