Chelsea 3-0 Burnley Match Report – 27th August 2016

Chelsea cruised to a comfortable win over Burnley as they kept up their 100% start to the season. Goals from Eden Hazard, Willian and Victor Moses gave them the most comprehensive win of Antonio Conte’s tenure. The Italian seemed delighted with the win, but that didn’t stop him from repeating his need for new signings after the game.

Conte switched back to his strongest team for this clash. He had rested several stars for the Bristol City game in midweek. There was no place for Michy Batshuayi, who had hit three goals in his last two games. The usual back four started behind N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic. Oscar started ahead of Cesc Fabregas, while Diego Costa was the lone striker.

It took just nine minutes for the Blues to get ahead here. Hazard picked the ball up deep and sensed an opportunity to attack. He eased towards goal with little resistance from the Clarets. The Belgian swept the ball home from outside the box and it was the type of goal he scored regularly in 2014/15. If he’s back to his Player of the Year form, he could fire his side back to the top.

Having put on a fantastic early show, Chelsea were 2-0 ahead before the break. Some great interchanging between the forwards had Burnley penned back in their own box. Willian picked the ball up and stepped into the penalty area and he somehow jinked free to fire off a shot in to the far bottom corner.

With the game basically won, Conte introduced Moses, Batshuayi and Pedro for Willian, Costa and Hazard. The Nigerian winger made the most of his cameo, as he slid in to score the third goal with just a minute to go. The former Crystal Palace man has been welcome back into the fold after two seasons out on loan, and he’s made an impression already.

The manager was full of praise for the performance after the game. “We created a lot of chances and kept a clean sheet – this is important because after 13 home games without a clean sheet this helps the confidence and shows the hard work is paying off.”

He also singled out Hazard for praise, with the Belgian looking close to his form from two seasons ago, “Eden Hazard must be this decisive in every game, and I am pleased because I saw it today, but we must work to improve more.”

Despite Hazard’s return to form, the former Juventus boss is still chasing signings. However, they’re cutting it fine with the deadline fast approaching, “We are working close together, the club and I, and we are trying to find the right solutions to improve this squad. We have four days to find this, but I am pleased to work with the squad I have.”

LCN Man of the Match: Eden Hazard