Chelsea eased past Burnley to avoid any slip-ups, securing a controlled victory at Turf Moor despite missing injured Cole Palmer, who fractured a toe in a domestic accident.
Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández were the decisive figures as Chelsea moved to within three points of the Premier League summit, making it four consecutive wins without conceding. Enzo Maresca admitted his side could have performed better but felt the result was deserved ahead of a demanding week against Barcelona and Arsenal.
Burnley started brightly and matched Chelsea for large spells of the first half, with Loum Tchaouna and Jaidon Anthony finding space but lacking quality in the final pass. Scott Parker believed his side were strong early on but admitted they missed a clinical edge.
Chelsea struggled initially, particularly without Moisés Caicedo, though Andrey Santos grew into the game. They were fortunate not to concede a penalty after a confused moment involving Robert Sánchez and Trevoh Chalobah.
The breakthrough came when Jamie Gittens crossed for Neto to head home at the far post, his third goal in five league games. Marc Cucurella caused Burnley constant problems with his runs from left-back.
In the second half, Chelsea took control and pushed for a second. Burnley worked hard but lacked threat, and after a Neto-led counterattack, Marc Guiu set up Fernández to finish and seal the win.
