Hakim Ziyech and N’Golo Kante starred for Chelsea, while the others were impressive as well as they beat Bunrley 3-0 at Turf Moor.
Chelsea were handed an early setback as Christian Pulisic had to pull out before the game even began due to a minor hamstring issue, sustained during the pre-match warm-up. Timo Werner came in for Pulisic and was instrumental in the opening goal, as Hakim Ziyech scored his first Premier League goal.
Thereafter, Chelsea continued to dominate, with Edouard Mendy hardly troubled. And the win was rounded off midway through the second half, as Kurt Zouma made it 2-0 with a towering header from Mason Mount’s corner before Werner scored Chelsea’s third after latching onto a fine pass by Ziyech.
The win took Chelsea up to fourth on the Premier League table, having returned to winning ways in the division. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Frank Lampard’s men following a convincing performance against Burnley.
Edouard Mendy: 7/10
? Edouard Mendy's first 3️⃣ #PL matches for @ChelseaFC:
⛔️ ????? ????? ⛔️
⛔️ ????? ????? ⛔️
⛔️ ????? ????? ⛔️#BURCHE pic.twitter.com/dg7pj73bho— Premier League (@premierleague) October 31, 2020
The easiest outing in his short Chelsea stint so far. Mendy was quick off his lines and did not make any error in claiming the aerial balls without a fuss. Yet to concede a goal in the Premier League since joining Chelsea.
Reece James: 8/10
Another impressive display by young Reece James, who just continues to grow with every passing performance. With Burnley hardly putting pressure on the Chelsea defence, James was a constant outlet down the right flank, the English international sent in a number of dangerous crosses. Involved in the build-up to the third goal before Hakim Ziyech sliced opened the Burnley defence.
Thiago Silva: 7/10
Back in the starting lineup after being rested for the trip to Krasnodar, Silva exuded calmness at the heart of the Chelsea defence, embracing the added burden of being the skipper on the day. Along with Kurt Zouma, he kept such a fine check on Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes that the Burnley strikers were rendered to be anonymous. Solid.
Kurt Zouma: 8/10
No Chelsea player has scored more Premier League goals this season than Kurt Zouma (3).
An unlikely top scorer. ?? pic.twitter.com/cRBPsvooyf
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) October 31, 2020
Defensively, he needed Silva to mentor him on the day and some sloppy touches could have ended with him being left red-faced. However, in the end, there was no harm done, as Chelsea kept a clean sheet without much of a fuss. Powered in his header with an imposing jump after being left unmarked.
Ben Chilwell: 7/10
Another game, another performance wherein Chilwell posed a great deal of threat on the left flank. The Englishman nearly had an early assist and had a shout for penalty fall on deaf ears. Like James on the right-wing, his crosses carried a threat. However, a better first touch could have seen him perhaps score a goal himself too.
Kai Havertz: 8/10
Played in the no. 8 role instead of being deployed in a more advanced position, Havertz put in a shift defensively, keeping Dwight McNeil quiet over the course of the game. During the offensive phases of the game, his excellent movement helped carve open pockets of space, which in turn helped his teammates further up the pitch. Positive signs.
N’Golo Kante: 9/10
N'Golo Kanté's game by numbers vs. Burnley:
100% aerials won
100% cross-completion
100 touches
96% passing accuracy
4 ball recoveries
3 tackles
2 interceptions
1 foul won
1 shot
1 chance createdA masterful display. pic.twitter.com/Io83jH15A2
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 31, 2020
With Lampard deploying two attack-minded players alongside him, Kante needed to work his socks off in the middle of the park. And, the Frenchman covered a lot of ground, all while boasting a 95 per cent passing rate. Even created a delectable chance for Timo Werner from the outside of his boot. At his best, Kante is simply irresistible.
Mason Mount: 8/10
Back into the starting lineup, Mount pulled the strings in the middle of the park, giving Lampard some food for thought over his team selection in the future. This is a role that suits Mount quite perfectly, with the English international playing in 3 key passes while also creating 1 big chance from his corner, converted by Zouma. Worked hard off the ball as well in a stellar display.
Hakim Ziyech: 9/10
Making his first Premier League start at long last, Ziyech showed just why Chelsea fans had been yearning for his return from injury. The Moroccan international ran the show in the final third and was involved in the build-up to his goal before finishing the move with a fantastic low driven shot.
Ziyech was not one to shy away from completing his defensive duties either, and he supported Kai Havertz and Reece James on his flank. Ended the game with an assist as well, splitting open the Burnley defence to send Werner clean through on goal, with the German making no error in finding the back of the net.
? Hakim Ziyech in two starts for Chelsea
⏱️ Minutes – 153
⚽️ Goals – 2
?️ Assists – 1
? Rating – 8.28 pic.twitter.com/pN0dBuNcIT— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) October 31, 2020
Tammy Abraham: 7/10
Despite Chelsea’s dominance, Tammy Abraham did not see a lot of the ball. However, he made his mark on the game, showing superb awareness of space to set Ziyech up for his goal with a deft first touch from Werner’s pass. Denied by Nick Pope and had another shot blocked. Another who worked hard off the ball.
Timo Werner: 8/10
A late inclusion in the starting lineup after Pulisic’s withdrawal due to injury, Werner looked intent on making the difference. The German international was involved a whole lot in the build-up to Ziyech’s goal and he ended the game with a fine finish from Ziyech’s through ball. In between, he was a nippy presence on the left flank and also created 2 chances. Fine display.
SUBSTITUTES
Callum Hudson-Odoi: N/A
On for Ziyech, Hudson-Odoi did not see a lot of the ball, but still managed to create a chance late on. Will hope to get some starts in the coming weeks.
Olivier Giroud: N/A
Subbed in for Abraham, Giroud bundled the ball into the back of the net soon after coming on the field, only to see the goal being ruled out for offside.
Jorginho: N/A
A late introduction, Jorginho helped see the game out.
