Chelsea climbed to 2nd place in the Premier League table after a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor, keeping the pressure on leaders Arsenal.
Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández delivered the goals as Enzo Maresca’s side secured a third straight league win and another clean sheet.
Neto delivers again as Chelsea manage without Palmer
With Cole Palmer still sidelined, Chelsea continue to shed the “Palmer FC” narrative thanks to the resurgence of Pedro Neto.
The Portuguese winger struck in the 37th minute, marking his second consecutive Premier League game on the scoresheet, the first time he has achieved that in five years, and increasing his tally to three goals and two assists in his last five outings.
His opener, assisted by Jamie Gittens, justified Maresca’s decision to bench in-form talents Alejandro Garnacho and Estevão.
Chelsea’s £168 million investment in wide players appears to be paying dividends, with Neto, Garnacho and Estevão all hitting form at the right time.
Chelsea slow to start after international break
The early kick-off, long travel, and post-international fatigue contributed to a sluggish opening half-hour for the Blues.
Frustration grew among the travelling fans as Chelsea’s possession-heavy system struggled to break down Burnley’s low block.
But Neto’s back-post header, created by a precise Gittens cross, finally broke the deadlock and injected life into the performance.
Depth proves critical amid injury challenges
Chelsea’s win was secured despite multiple injury setbacks. Moises Caicedo was rested after a late return from international duty, Levi Colwill remains unavailable, and Palmer’s absence continues to be felt.
Even Enzo Fernández and Caicedo have played through recent knocks, making Chelsea’s place in the top three all the more impressive.
Maresca’s rotation policy, heavily scrutinised earlier in the season, is now delivering results.
The introduction of Andrey Santos, who delivered his most assured performance in a Chelsea shirt, further validated the manager’s decisions.
Burnley threaten, but Chelsea finish the job late
Neto came close to doubling Chelsea’s lead in the 63rd minute, smashing a low effort off the post before Burnley scrambled clear.
The hosts nearly punished Chelsea minutes later, but Zian Flemming fired over with the goal at his mercy.
Malo Gusto and Marc Guiu added fresh energy late on, and it was Guiu who made the decisive impact.
In stoppage time, he held off his marker before teeing up Enzo Fernández, who calmly slotted home to secure all three points.
The Blues next host Barcelona in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge.