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In a potentially trick game, Chelsea comfortably defeated Burnley 4-0 to climb to the second spot in the Premier League table. Alvaro Morata gave Chelsea the lead in the first half while goals from Ross Barkley, Willian, and Ruben Loftus Cheek sealed the win for the blues in the second half. This was Chelsea's biggest victory margin of the season in any competition.
Despite losing to Pedro to injury early in the match, Chelsea was not affected as they continued to dominate proceedings. The game also saw Ruben Loftus Cheek's playing as a winger in his first Premier League appearance since the home victory against Bournemouth. Later, Cesc Fabregas saw his first taste of Premier Leauge football this season.
#3 The absence of Eden Hazard was not felt
Prior to the game, Chelsea was hit by a big blow as talisman Eden Hazard could not play due to an injury suffered in the match against Manchester United last week. Over the year's, the team has been over-reliant on the Belgian and struggled in his absence. In particular last season, Chelsea's performances were stagnant and lifeless without him.
However, this was not the case at Turf Moor as Chelsea produced their most impressive performance of the season. While Burnley caused some problems at the start, Chelsea soon imposed themselves on the game and dominated possession. Not only did Chelsea keep the ball but they also used it productively.
Chelsea's transition from defense to attack and passing was extremely precise and prolific as they created a plethora of chances. Chelsea fans would feel their team could have scored a lot more than four goals. To produce such a performance without Eden Hazard was a massive statement by Chelsea. Quite visibly, Maurizio Sarri's ideas are taking shape on the pitch.
#2 Alvaro Morata regains confidence
Maurizio Sarri surprised a lot of people by starting Alvaro Morata despite his lackluster showing vs Manchester United. The Spaniard rewarded his manager's faith by scoring Chelsea's first goal of the match. However, his overall performance would be extremely pleasing to Maurizio Sarri. The former Real Madrid striker showed remarkable improvement in his link-up play as he even set up a chance for Willian in the first half.
The Spaniard continued to find himself at the end of chances throughout the match and should have scored more. But, his aggressive intent and confidence approach was a refreshing sight for Chelsea fans. He has now found the back of a net in three of his last four appearances at club level. There is nothing more than Chelsea's new head coach needs more than a striker finding the back of the net. Morata's display at Turf Moor would fill Sarri with hope.
#1 Ross Barkley turning out to be a bargain
When Chelsea signed Ross Barkley in the January transfer window, it was not a signing that a lot of fans were in favor off. After barely getting any minutes under Antonio Conte, most people wrote off the 24-year old. However, Barkley's life has turned for the better under Maurizio Sarri.
The former Everton midfielder scored a brilliant goal from outside the box and assisted two against Burnley. In the last three games, Barkley has three goals and three assists to show for including the late equalizer against Manchester United. In this period Barkley also earned a comeback to the England side and produced a terrific performance against Spain.
He is well and truly a man revitalized and hitting the same heights he hit in his initial years for Everton. It also looks like Chelsea have finally found an outlet of goals from midfield, something they have lacked since Frank Lampard's departure. Having signed him for only a fee £15 million, Barkley could turn to be a great bargain at Stamford Bridge.
