The Chelsea Blues began their 2014/15 Premier League campaign with a 3-1 win over Burnley FC. Thibaiut Cortois, Cesc Fabregas, and Diego Costa made their Premier League debuts on August 18. Both Fabregas and Costa were big summer signings for Chelsea as they have improved the squad with their talent.
Burnley FC took the lead in the 14th minute as Scott Arfield scored from a beautiful cross in which he took control of the ball. With no Chelsea man marking him, he easily put the ball into the back of the net.
It did not take long for Diego Costa to score in his Premier League debut as he netted in the equalizer in the 17th minute. Soon after, Cesc Fabregas sent a half volley into the box, which allowed Andre Schurrle to put Chelsea up 2-1 in the 21st minute. The new signings have adapted well to the England atmosphere as they have performed well ever since they joined the London club.
Diego Costa received the first yellow card of the match in the 31st minute for what the referee saw as diving. Players argued that it was a penalty as Costa fell within the penalty area while others indeed saw it as a dive.
Burnley looked hungry to score as they kept attacking, trying to find a way for the ball to make it into the back of the net. Branislav Ivanovic managed to score another goal for Chelsea right before half time in the 31st minute. The score at halftime stayed at 3-1 in favor of Chelsea.
The second half began with Burnley FC scrambling to score goals to tie up the match, but the Chelsea back line prevented their attempts. Ashley Barnes and Michael Kightly replaced Lukas Jutkiewicz and Matthew Taylor for Burnley in the 70th minute. Andre Schurrle came off in the 78th minute for Willian. Schurrle played a great match and scored the goal that put The Blues in the lead to stay.
John Obi Mikel came in for Oscar in the 82nd minute to put some fresh legs in the Chelsea midfield so they could defend their lead in the final minutes. Oscar has established himself as a key player in the Chelsea lineup ever since his transfer from San Paulo in 2012. He will continue to be a crucial element in the Blues’ midfield after having a solid World Cup performance in the summer.
The final substitution for Burnley saw Danny Ings replaced by Marvin Sordell in the 82nd minute. Didier Drogba came on for Eden Hazard in the 84th minute as the final substitution of the match.
Marvin Sordell received a yellow card in the 87th minute for Burnley FC.
Chelsea won 3-1 with Jose Mourinho very proud of his summer signings. Fabregas assisted two of the three goals while Costa scored the first goal of the match — and the first of his Premier League career. Chelsea showed everyone that they are title contenders this season. Burnley FC also showed they are a tough team themselves as they proved trouble to the Blues in the beginning of the match.
FEATURED PHOTO CREDIT: Clive Brunskill, Getty Images Sport
