Half-time: Chelsea 1 Burnley 0

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Branislav Ivanovic’s fourth goal in six games gave Chelsea a deserved half-time lead at Stamford Bridge.

The right-back turned the ball in from close range after a sublime run and cross from the outstanding Eden Hazard.

And Ivanovic also looked like he should have won a penalty for the Premier League leaders soon after when his goalbound shot was stopped by the outstretched arm of Burnley winger Michael Kightly.

Chelsea, chasing a 12th home win in 13 Premier League games, made a decent start and could have gone ahead within five minutes.

But Clarets goalkeeper Tom Heaton did well to tip over Juan Cuadrado’s header from a Filipe Luis cross.

At the other end, Thibaut Courtois made a routine save from a spectacular long-range Ashley Barnes strike.

However, the majority of attacking threat was coming from the home side.

Cesc Fabregas, playing in a deeper role to accommodate Cuadrado, was dictating play and allowing the Chelsea to dominate possession.

And after Ivanovic’s opener, Oscar had a shot saved from the edge of the box, Ivanovic was denied what looked a clear spot-kick while Diego Costa also claimed a penalty after going down under a challenge from Jason Shackell.

Kurt Zouma and Luis were restored to the starting line-up, while Costa returned up front after completing his three-game domestic ban.

It meant Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta dropped to the bench, while Willian is also a substitute following a recent injury.

Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Filipe Luis; Matic, Fabregas; Cuadrado, Oscar, Hazard; Costa.
Subs: Cech, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Ramires, Willian, Drogba, Remy.

 

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