5 Things Learnt From The Burnley Match

1. Chelsea has the look of champions

Chelsea produced the best performance on the opening weekend of the season and look like they will take some stopping. They always say coming back from behind signifies the mark of champions and never was that better executed than at Turf Moore. It took Chelsea a minor three minutes to find an equalizer. When going 1-0 down they found themselves in situation which ultimately cost them the league last season, away to the likes of Crystal Palace & Aston Villa Chelsea found it hard to respond. But here the blues displayed cold ruthlessness as they put they sword to Burnley and killed the game after 34 minutes.

2. Cecs Fabregas could prove to be the signing of the summer

Cesc Fabregas had the look of a man who had been playing at Chelsea for years as he effortlessly slotted in next to Nemanja Matic in the centre of the park. The ex Barca man was rightfully named man of the match in a performance which saw him involved in all three goals. His sumptuous back heel to Branislav Ivanovic led to Costa’s goal. He then proved influential in the build-up play for the second goal and he sprayed passes left and right, dictating the tempo of the game before providing a marvellous assist for Andre Schurrle. The Spaniard then put the ball on a plate for Ivanovic as his alluring corner evaded the Burnly defence. With Fabregas in the side Chelsea look a more complete and balanced unit. With two assists already to his name, Fabregas could well make a difference in the race for the title.

3. Diego Costa is the real deal

If all doubts about Diego Costa hadn’t already been broken they were smashed on Monday night. It took the 25 year old a mere 17 minutes to register his first competitive goal with the blues. In comparison to Chelsea’s two main strikers last season, it took Samuel Eto’o 5 games and Fernando Torres 14 respectively. Costa ferociously leathered home a failed clearance from Burnley with pure venom. The ex Atletico man should have also won a penalty but was wrongfully carded for simulation. The suspicion that Diego Costa could fall under the category of Chelsea’s flop strikers doesn’t look like taking shape as it emerges Chelsea have finally found a replacement for Dider Drogba.

4. Chelsea will be a joy to watch this season

Chelsea was very easy eye at Turf Moore. There football in the first half specifically was expeditious, slick and elegant as they toyed with Burnley. Mourinho’s men played with a flair and gracefulness not associated with this Chelsea side. They often criticized last season for their style of play but it appears and evolution is occurring this season. The football was expansive and clean and seems the way Chelsea will play this season. Post match Mourinho stated “we believe this is the way to play this season with the players we have”

5. Mourinho’s pragmatism is still alive

Chelsea went in to the break 3-1 up and in cruise control. When the teams emerged for the second half it seemed a question of how many for Chelsea? However what we got in the second half from Chelsea was a much more concealed and reserved performance. They bossed possession attempting playing a more disinclined game rather than looking to completely kill Burnley. In an interview with Sky Sports Mourinho said “At half-time I told the players 4-1 kills the game but 3-2 makes it dangerous.” It could have been a prolific victory but instead Mourinho opted to keep the ball and soak up pressure.