Chelsea secures first victory of Tuchel reign
Cesar Azpilicueta’s opening goal and a stunner from Marcos Alonso secured the first victory of Thomas Tuchel’s reign as Chelsea manager, after a dominant 2-0 win against Burnley on Sunday.
Thomas Tuchel was brought in to replace Frank Lampard last weak in an attempt to revive Chelsea back into the race for Champions League spots.
The home side took time to settle into a rhythm but as the first-half wore on they started to dominate and create chances. Chelsea finally broke through the Burnley defence five minutes before the break.
From the right, Callum Hudson-Odoi cut inside and played a neat reverse ball into the path of Azpilicueta, who fired past Nick Pope to give the blues the lead.
Chelsea started the second half on the attack, pinning the visitors back.
However, Sean Dyche’s Burnley defended well and enjoyed some possession, but failed to test Edouard Mendy in the Chelsea goal.
A moment of magic from Alonso sealed the three points six minutes from time when he controlled a Pulisic cross on his chest, before lashing past Pope. He kissed his Chelsea badge as the players celebrated a vital three points.
Tuchel’s team dominated the encounter, limiting Burnley to a single attempt on goal but struggled to break them down.
The result lifts Chelsea to seventh in the Premier League, just four points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, who are in action later on Sunday.
Burnley slip to 16th in the table below Newcastle on goals scored.
“It was a very complete display, both offensively and defensively. We only managed to concede one shot, which was absolutely amazing,” Chelsea manager Tuchel said.
“At the same time, we never lost patience with the ball, controlled the game, created a lot of chances, put the game high up on the pitch with very good counter pressing. So there was a lot of good on the pitch out there and for that, I am very happy we got this well-deserved win.”
Chelsea take on London rivals Tottenham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday, while Burnley host league leaders Manchester City on Wednesday.
Chidi Nwoke.
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