Full Time: Burnley 1-2 Chelsea
Victor Moses struck the winner as Chelsea edged out a tricky 2-1 Premier League victory against Burnley at Turf Moor on Thursday evening.
With one eye on the FA Cup semi-finals against Southampton on Sunday, Antonio Conte rested Eden Hazard, Willian and Cesc Fabregas. The move worked well for Conte as the Blues won at Turf Moor, going within five points of 4th-placed Tottenham Hotspur.
Chelsea got the opener when Moses’ cross into the box was turned into his own net by Kevin Long in the 20th minute. Burnley struck back through Ashley Barnes in the 64th minute as the forward inadvertently flicked Johann Berg Gudmundsson’s cross into the back of the net.
However, Moses struck just five minutes later to secure all three points and boost Chelsea’s slim chances of Champions League qualification.
Chelsea player ratings
Thibaut Courtois – 6/10
Courtois was a mere spectator in the first half as Burnley rarely threatened. He was unfortunate to concede the deflected goal.
Antonio Rudiger – 7/10
Rudiger was caught out of position a few times in the first-half but defended really well. He massively improved after the break and recovered the ball well on a number of occasions.
Gary Cahill – 8/10
A captain’s performance! Conte couldn’t have asked for more as Cahill put his body on the line and got a boot to his face in the first-half. He showed his experience, read the game well and made some big challenges in the second-half.
Cesar Azpilicueta- 7/10
Showed why he is such a reliable member of the team, with a solid performance at the back.
Victor Moses – 9/10
Victor Moses was excellent throughout the game at Turf Moor. Had a solid first half and fired in the ball for Chelsea’s opener. Got forward well and defended with equal gusto.
After the interval, the Nigerian became more involved and was a constant attacking outlet. He made Burnley pay for poor defending by slotting home the winner.
Emerson Palmieri – 7/10
Making his first Premier League start, Emerson was good on the ball, got forward at times and defended well when required. Showed good stamina and got the assist for Chelsea’s winner.
N’Golo Kante – 7/10
Kante showed great energy and desire in the middle of the park which kept Chelsea ticking. He faded in the second half but overall, he was really good against the Clarets.
Tiemoue Bakayoko – 6/10
Bakayoko was effective at the base of the midfield as he made some good interceptions and displayed good energy. However, he is still far from his best and needs to get his rhythm back.
Pedro – 7/10
Stationed behind two strikers, Pedro was lively and saw a lot more of the ball. Showed great pace and skill, made some lung-busting runs and was a constant thorn for the Burnley defence. A positive display from the Spaniard.
Alvaro Morata – 4/10
Another frustrating night for the Spaniard. He missed a glorious one-on-one chance to double the lead after being put through by Kante in the second half.
Olivier Giroud – 7/10
Following his heroics at Southampton last weekend, Giroud looked confident and appeared to enjoy playing with another striker. He linked up well with Morata and also laid some good chances only for the Spaniard to not make the most of it.
Substitutes
Eden Hazard – 5/10
Hazard’s ball retention was excellent as he easily danced past five Burnley defenders. Couldn’t impact much but stretched the hosts’ defence and looked hungry for a goal.
Davide Zappacosta – N/A
Came on for the last few minutes to protect the 2-1 lead.