Chelsea stretched their grip on the top half of the Premier League table with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Goals from Pedro Neto in the 37th minute and Enzo Fernandez just after the break sealed the victory — and with it, a crucial three points in a season where every one counts. The result left Chelsea with 23 points from 12 games, while Burnley, now winless in their last seven, sank deeper into the relegation zone with just 10 points. It wasn’t pretty, but it was effective. And in the Premier League, that’s often enough.
First Half: Neto Breaks the Ice
Chelsea came into Turf Moor knowing they hadn’t lost here since 2019 — a small comfort against a Burnley side that, despite their lowly position, still plays with grit. The breakthrough came in the 37th minute. A swift counterattack, sparked by Pedro Neto drifting infield from the left, saw him cut inside past two defenders and curl a left-footed shot into the far corner. The goal wasn’t just a moment of skill — it was the culmination of a pattern. Burnley had sat deep, packed the box, and dared Chelsea to break them down. Neto didn’t just break them — he dissected them.
For the next 15 minutes, Burnley pressed harder. Hannibal Mejbri and Armando Broja looked dangerous on the break, but Chelsea’s backline, marshaled by captain Wesley Fofana, held firm. Robert Sánchez, the goalkeeper, didn’t have a single save to make until the 89th minute — but he didn’t need to. The defense didn’t just absorb pressure; they anticipated it. Half-time came with the score 1-0, and the feeling was clear: Chelsea were in control, but Burnley weren’t done.
Second Half: Fernandez Seals It
The second half began with a statement. Just 14 seconds after the restart, Enzo Fernandez — already on three Premier League goals this season — received a loose ball 25 yards out. He didn’t hesitate. A quick step, a stutter, then a low, driven shot that clipped the post and nestled into the net. It was his fourth goal of the campaign, and the kind of moment that turns a tight game into a comfortable win.
"That’s the kind of goal you need from a midfielder in these kinds of away games," said one former Chelsea player on BBC Radio 5 Live. "Not flashy, not showy — just ruthless. That’s what wins you titles."
Burnley responded with urgency. In the 67th minute, Broja forced a diving save from Sánchez, and Mejbri’s cross in the 72nd minute nearly found the head of Maxime Biamou. But Chelsea’s midfield trio — Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and the ever-reliable Reece James — controlled the tempo like veteran sailors in choppy seas. Even when Burnley had 60% possession after the 70th minute, they rarely looked like scoring.
Why This Win Matters
Chelsea’s record now stands at 7-2-3 — their best start to a season since 2021. They’re just four points off leaders Arsenal, and with Manchester City still stumbling, the top four feels within reach. But more than that, this win was about character. Turf Moor isn’t a place where teams come to cruise. It’s a fortress of noise, mud, and stubbornness. Burnley, despite their record, still know how to make life difficult.
"It was a hard game," admitted Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino post-match. "They made it physical. They made it ugly. But we stayed calm. That’s what separates good teams from great ones."
For Burnley, the outlook is bleaker. At 3-1-8, they’re now six points from safety with only 10 games left. Their last win? October 5. Their last clean sheet? September 21. And while Broja’s late effort in the 96th minute — a right-footed strike saved by Sánchez — offered a glimmer of hope, it was a moment too late. The signs are clear: unless they turn things around quickly, relegation isn’t just possible — it’s probable.
What’s Next?
Chelsea face Manchester United at Stamford Bridge next Saturday in a top-seven clash that could define their season. Burnley, meanwhile, host Everton in what might as well be a six-pointer. Both teams need wins. But only one looks capable of delivering.
On paper, this was a routine away win. But anyone who watched it knew better. This was a game of nerves, discipline, and quiet brilliance — the kind that doesn’t make headlines but wins championships.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Burnley’s relegation chances?
Burnley now sit 18th in the Premier League with just 10 points from 12 games — six points from safety and only 10 matches remaining. Their goal difference of -14 is the third-worst in the league. Even if they win all remaining games, they’d need other results to go their way. Historically, no team with fewer than 12 points after 12 games has avoided relegation since 2010.
Why is Enzo Fernandez’s goal important for Chelsea?
Fernandez’s fourth Premier League goal of the season ties him with Raheem Sterling as Chelsea’s top scorer in the league. More importantly, it shows he’s evolving from a deep-lying playmaker into a genuine goal threat — a development that gives Pochettino more tactical flexibility. His ability to arrive late in the box has become a key weapon, especially in tight away games.
What’s Chelsea’s record at Turf Moor?
Chelsea have won their last six Premier League matches at Turf Moor, dating back to 2019. They’ve scored 14 goals and conceded just two in that span. Even in 2021, when Chelsea were struggling, they won 1-0 there. Turf Moor has become one of their most reliable away venues — a rarity in the modern Premier League.
How has Pedro Neto’s form improved this season?
Neto has gone from a fringe winger to Chelsea’s most consistent attacking threat. He’s now contributed 6 goals and 5 assists in all competitions this season — up from just 3 goals in 2024-25. His movement off the ball, especially when cutting inside from the left, has become a nightmare for full-backs. Against Burnley, he completed 87% of his passes and had 4 shots — 3 on target.
Did Burnley create any real chances?
They did — but not enough. Burnley had 14 shots in total, but only 4 were on target. Their best opportunity came from Broja in the 67th minute, when his low drive was blocked by a combination of Fofana and Sánchez. Their final chance, a 96th-minute effort from Broja again, was saved cleanly. Their xG (expected goals) was just 0.8 — far below their average of 1.2 this season.
What does this mean for Chelsea’s top-four hopes?
With 23 points, Chelsea are now just four behind leaders Arsenal and level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United, who have a game in hand. If they can hold their form over the next five matches — especially against United and Tottenham — they’re in strong position to return to the Champions League for the first time since 2021. Their away record (4-1-2) is now the best in the top six.