Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea continued their upward trajectory with a composed 2-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor, a ground where the Clarets have not beaten the Blues since 1983.
The win not only reinforced Chelsea’s position as Arsenal’s closest challengers in the Premier League but also elevated Maresca’s standing among the club’s managerial greats.
When he arrived in July 2024, doubts surrounded his lack of top-level experience, having only managed Leicester City and Parma. Yet in just 18 months, he has guided Chelsea to the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup titles, while steadily improving his domestic record.
Saturday’s triumph marked his 82nd game in charge, with 52 wins, 12 draws, and 18 losses, giving him an average of 2.04 points per game. That figure places him sixth in Chelsea’s all-time list, ahead of Carlo Ancelotti and Roberto Di Matteo, and behind only Avram Grant, Antonio Conte, José Mourinho, Thomas Tuchel, and Maurizio Sarri.
The match itself was not vintage Chelsea, but it was efficient. Burnley, disciplined in defense and dangerous on the counter through Zian Flemming, made life difficult. Chelsea controlled possession but lacked penetration until Marc Cucurella surged forward, linking with Jamie Gittens, whose precise cross was headed home by Pedro Neto.
It was Neto’s third goal in his last five games, a sign of his growing influence on the right wing.
In midfield, Andrey Santos excelled in the role usually occupied by Moises Caicedo, showing maturity and composure. Chelsea sealed the win late on when Marc Guiu broke down the right and cut the ball back for Enzo Fernández, who calmly slotted past two defenders on the line. The celebrations highlighted the unity and belief within Maresca’s squad.
Chelsea’s tactical framework is still evolving, but the resilience and adaptability on display are enough to keep them firmly in contention. Sitting second in the league, three points behind Arsenal, the Blues now turn their attention to a pivotal Champions League clash against Barcelona—a test that will further define Maresca’s legacy at Stamford Bridge.
