Whatever Thomas Tuchel told his Chelsea players during the half time team talk has surely birth magic as a new side emerged in the second half, while Burnley were just made to chase the game thereon.
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After his side could not have the breakthrough at the break, there might have been thoughts about a repetition of the result in their reverse fixture at the Bridge but immediately referee Andre Marriner sounds his whistle to commence the second half, Chelsea became too good for their host.
Reece James put them in front just two minutes after the restart, as the young fullback catches out Dwight McNeil with clever footwork before firing past Nick Pope in goal.
Five minutes later, James combines with Christian Pulisic, and the later sends in a cross to Kai Havertz at the far post. The German connects well and guided his header past Pope, who did not even move.
Havertz scored his second and Chelsea’s third two minutes later. Reece James this time turning provider as his cross across the phase of goal evaded Pope, and Havertz managed to bundle it home under pressure from the defenders.
Christian Pulisic got his deserved goal 21 minutes from time when in an attempt to clear his lines, James Takowski only poke the ball in the direction of the American, who on the turn sends his effort past a vulnerable Nick Pope in goal to round up a comprehensive win for The Blues.
The result means they remain ten points behind second place Liverpool, who defeat West Ham United in a narrow 1-0 win but Chelsea have two games in hand compared to Liverpool’s one. A win in both which will see them at least ten points off the top of the table.
It is a matter of time before even rivals concede a place in the top four to Chelsea. However, the club’s faithful have the right to feel hurt that they have gone behind in the title chase.
Nonetheless, Chelsea are more than just a top four contender and they portrayed that in their second half display at Turf Moor.
Compared to other top four hopefuls like Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea are clearly above them in all ramifications with the way they play and dominate games.
On the same level as the likes of City and Liverpool and maybe a couple of good results out of their disappointing few this season would have have them level with the two genuine contenders.
However, as much as it looks as an uphill task for the Stamford Bridge club, it might not been all over as they still have over ten league games to season. Who knows what can happen in a league full of twists and turns ? Right, who knows.
Author: Kehinde Hassan Afolabi
