Chelsea Strengthen Premier League Title Push With 2–0 Win Over Burnley

Chelsea boosted their Premier League title ambitions on Saturday with a determined 2–0 victory over struggling Burnley at Turf Moor. Pedro Neto opened the scoring shortly before halftime, while Enzo Fernández sealed the win late in the match. The result lifts Enzo Maresca’s side to second place, three points behind league leaders Arsenal, who face Tottenham on Sunday. The Blues have now won eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions, marking a successful milestone as Maresca celebrated his 50th Premier League game in charge. Momentum Ahead of Crucial Week The win comes as a timely boost ahead of a demanding week for Chelsea, who host Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday followed by a key league clash against Arsenal on 30 November. Chelsea could temporarily drop to third if Manchester City avoid defeat against Newcastle later on Saturday, but their composed performance in freezing conditions ensured their title momentum remained intact. “It’s tough after the international break, 12:30, Burnley away — it’s always a hard game. But the way we competed, I’m very happy,” Maresca said after the match. “To come here and not concede is very difficult. They only had one real chance. It was important to keep the momentum from before the international break. Now we’ll recover our energy and move on to Tuesday.” Injury Concerns for Maresca Chelsea were without Cole Palmer, who extended his injury layoff after fracturing his toe in a domestic accident just as he was scheduled to resume training following a groin injury. Midfielder Moises Caicedo was also left on the bench due to fatigue after returning late from international duty with Ecuador. Maresca’s frustrations over another early Saturday kick-off were compounded early in the match when goalkeeper Robert Sánchez inadvertently struck the ball into Fernández’s head, prompting a brief concussion check. The Argentine midfielder was able to continue, and Chelsea gradually took full control of the contest. Burnley’s Struggles Continue The defeat leaves Burnley hovering above the relegation zone, having lost five of their last seven league matches.