It was a battle of two big spending clubs in two very different positions. Chelsea came into the game as odds on favorite to win the league this season and, with big money signings like Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas coming in, there were big expectations to meet for Jose Mourinho and co.
Burnley have been apart of a huge transformation this off season and new manager Vladimir Weiss has a very talented young squad at his disposal, as well as millions upon millions in transfer funds. It was the squads first game together as a team and many were intrigued as to how they would link up on the pitch.
Chelsea were dominant from kickoff and heavily pressured the Burnley players high up the pitch causing a couple of errors early on. It didn’t take long for Chelsea to capitalize on one of these as Nkoulou's misplaced pass fell straight to Eden Hazard who made no mistake from close range.
Burnley could never really get into the game as it was evident the players were not yet integrated into the system Weiss was trying to play. It was clear the players were unfamiliar with each other as the final ball was missing from Burnley's buildup play. The first half came to a close with the score still 1-0 but it should have been more for Chelsea.
Chelsea immediately regain control in the second half and Burnley survive time and time again due to Chelsea's wastefulness up front. Burnley continued to struggle as the hour mark passed with Kane and Volland both seemingly invisible up front. Chelsea continued their high pressure late into the game and Diego Costa was put through on goal by Cesc Fabregas. Costa confidently rounded the keeper and placed the ball into the open net to give Chelsea the 2-0 lead.
Burnley tried to push for a goal late on but Chelsea were too strong in defense and were able to hold on to their clean sheet. Gary Cahill was chosen as the Man of the Matchthanks to a solid defensive performance. Felipe Luis and Cesc Fabregas both had very good games in their debut and Costa was able to score in his. There was some promising signs from Burnleys performance as John Flanagan put in a fantastic shift at right back while the midfield duo of Marney and Schneiderlin was solid.
Chelsea will be delighted with a win and a clean sheet in their first game but the real test for them comes next week as they face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Burnley wont be too disheartened by the result as a win at Stamford Bridge was always unlikely. Burnley's tough start to the season will continue with a home game against defending champions Manchester City next week and are hoping home advantage is enough this time to upset their competition.
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