Raheem Sterling was at the heart of everything good Chelsea delivered in a 4-1 win over Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday, sending the Blues into the international break with top-half footing.
It was as comfortable a win as Monday’s defeat of Fulham, as Sterling scored, won a penalty, and forced an own goal off of Burnley. Cole Palmer had a goal and an assist while Nicolas Jackson came off the bench to bag a goal as well.
Chelsea finishes with 63% of the ball but only a 9-8 edge in shot attempts. The Blues collected 1.58 xG while conceding just 0.54 xGA to the hosts.
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Burnley led early through Wilson Odobert, but the Clarets couldn’t hold the lead and failed to build on Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Luton Town at Kenilworth Road.
Chelsea goes ninth on 11 points, five off the top four at the moment. The Clarets are still 18th, behind Luton on goal differential.
Chelsea finding finish, fortune to match form ahead of brutal run
Raheem Sterling’s Saturday wasn’t terribly unlike his other performances this season, aside from one huge difference.
His work found its way into the goal. And it did so in a variety of ways.
Sterling scored a nice goal in addition to winning a penalty, and also fired a hopeful cross that was deflected by Ameen Al Dakhil for a Burnley own goal.
A menace all game, Sterling showed his clinical side while also getting the rub of the green. That hasn’t been happening much for Chelsea this season.
And Mauricio Pochettino will now be asked to flex his managerial muscle over the next few weeks as the Blues have to start to take points off some big sides who will be contending with European action.
Chelsea’s project will make big waves should they collect decent points off of Arsenal, Brentford, Spurs, Man City, Newcastle, Brighton, and Man United. It’s a huge ask, but imagine the Blues on the periphery of the top seven after the next seven games? Hope would abound at Stamford Bridge with Christopher Nkunku’s return still on the cards.
What’s next?
The international break. Then Chelsea hosts Arsenal at 12:30pm ET Saturday, Oct. 21.
Burnley’s next tilt is the same day, 10am ET at Brentford.
Burnley vs Chelsea final score: 1-4
Goal: Odobert (15'), Burnley o.g. (42'), Palmer (50'), Sterling (65'), Jackson (75')
Burnley vs Chelsea player ratings
We’ve detailed Raheem Sterling’s big day and we seemingly praise Levi Colwill and Enzo Fernandez on a weekly basis, so let’s look elsewhere.
Nicolas Jackson came on for Armando Broja at halftime and turned an off-day at the center forward position into a plus for the Blues. Marc Cucurella rebounded from a lackluster viewing on Burnley’s goal to thrive on the right, too.
Wilson Odobert got his goal and finished with three shots to get top marks for Burnley.
Burnley vs Chelsea player ratings (fotmob.com)
Burnley vs Chelsea player ratings (fotmob.com)
Nicolas Jackson goal video: Chelsea salts away all three points
Raheem Sterling goal video: Blues up two with razor-sharp team goal
Moises Caicedo helps turn Burnley over in its own half, and the ball is quickly moved by Conor Gallagher to Raheem Sterling.
The England winger burst past the Burnley back line to meet the inch-perfect ball, and he blasts past James Trafford to make it 3-1.
Should be cruise control now or the Blues.
Cole Palmer goal video: Youngster converts Sterling-won penalty
Vitinho’s sliding challenge on Raheem Sterling is a foul and deemed to be inside the box.
A long(ish) VAR review as to whether the foul occurred on the line or beyond it sees no reason to overturn the initial call.
Cole Palmer rolls his penalty home for a first Chelsea goal. 2-1 to the Blues.
Blues make adjustments for second half
Nicolas Jackson is entering the game for Armando Broja, as Chelsea looks to take control on the scoreboard.
The Blues had 68% of the first-half possession and out-attempted Burnley 5-2, though the expected goals figures were very, very close.
Dara O’Shea takes the place of Burnley back Ameen Al Dakhil, who conceded the own goal.
Away we go.
Burnley own goal, prodded by Raheem Sterling, levels the score
Raheem Sterling has been very lively, again, and this time he’s forced Chelsea level with the hosts.
He drives the left side with a stop-start dribble and cuts a hard cross that is redirected past Burnley keeper James Trafford.
Mauricio Pochettino will take the good fortune, but Chelsea’s earned it.
Wilson Odobert goal video: Burnley bursts in front
The Clarets drive into the Chelsea final third. It’s a little too casual from Marc Cucurella, as Wilson Odobert takes his half-yard of space to beat Robert Sanchez.
Burnley is in front!
How to watch Burnley vs Chelsea live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 10am ET (Saturday, Oct. 7)
TV: Peacock
Online: Watch via Peacock Premium
Burnley lineup
Luca Koleosho, Zeki Amdouni, and Tuesday’s hero Jacob Bruun Larsen are all on the bench to start against Chelsea.
Today's XI at Turf Moor 📋 pic.twitter.com/1GfYT1yeb7
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) October 7, 2023
Chelsea lineup
Nicolas Jackson and Mykhailo Mudryk start on the bench as Armando Broja and Cole Palmer are in the XI. Carney Chukwuemeka returns and is amongst the sub.
📋 Representing Chelsea today! 🔵@ParimatchUK | #BurChe pic.twitter.com/HmqbXKhb8N
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 7, 2023
Focus on Burnley
The Clarets got Lyle Foster back from suspension and he promptly delivered a goal against Luton Town. The Clarets could really be in business if Vincent Kompany can help Luca Koleosho put some goal contributions on the board.
OUT: Johann Berg Gudmundsson (muscular), Nathan Redmond (undisclosed), Hjalmar Ekdal (knee), Manuel Benson (ankle), Michael Obafemi (thigh) | QUESTIONABLE: Aaron Ramsey (knock).
Focus on Chelsea
The Blues should feel good about their win over Fulham and will expect something similar on Saturday. The team is getting a bit healthier and returns for Reece James, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Benoit Badiashile would only help Mauricio Pochettino grow his Chelsea project.
OUT: Christopher Nkunku (knee), Ben Chilwell (hamstring), Romeo Lavia (ankle), Wesley Fofana (torn ACL), Malo Gusto (suspension), Marcus Bettinelli (undisclosed)| QUESTIONABLE: Carney Chukwuemeka (knee), Benoit Badiashile (hamstring), Armando Broja (other), Moises Caicedo (thigh), Mykhailo Mudryk (thigh), Reece James (hamstring)
