Kai Havertz netted twice as Chelsea cruised past Burnley at Turf Moor, with Reece James and Christian Pulisic also scoring in a comfortable 4-0 win for Thomas Tuchel s men.
It was Chelsea s first Premier League game since owner Roman Abramovich confirmed he had put the club up for sale, though there were no signs of distraction among the players.
They did struggle to create chances before half-time but then netted three goals in eight minutes to take the game away from Burnley soon after the break, before Pulisic added some gloss a little later.
Chelsea s first opening saw Charlie Taylor block from James, before Thiago Silva made a vital goal-line clearance from Wout Weghorst s shot at the other end.
Nathan Collins headed over as Sean Dyche s men enjoyed the better of the first period, before Dwight McNeil somehow missed with the goal gaping after Edouard Mendy s mistake.
The visitors needed less than two minutes to break the deadlock once the action resumed, with James twisting and turning before firing a superb opener into the bottom-left corner.
That strike looked to have given Tuchel s men greater purpose, and Havertz doubled the advantage just five minutes later, nodding home Pulisic s cross at the back post.
The Germany forward was then on hand to put the result beyond all doubt a few moments later, tapping home James delivery.
Things went from bad to worse for Burnley in the 69th minute, as James Tarkowski s error allowed Pulisic to score a fourth, wrapping up a comfortable Blues victory.
3 Chelsea are the first team to score three goals in the first 10 minutes of the second half in a Premier League game since Manchester City against Newcastle in October 2015. Inspired.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe)
What does it mean? Chelsea ease past Burnley again
Chelsea s superb second-half display moved them to within seven points of second-placed Liverpool in the league table and maintained their superb record against the Clarets.
Chelsea have now won seven of their eight away Premier League games against Burnley, drawing the other. Only against Wimbledon (also eight) have the Blues played as many away games in the competition without ever losing.
England man stars once more
James contributed a goal and an assist as Chelsea tore Burnley apart after the break. He has now racked up 11 goal contributions in the Premier League this term.
With five goals and six assists to his name, he is one of only three English players with at least five goals and five assists in the Premier League this season, along with Jarrod Bowen and team-mate Mason Mount.
Blues reliable rearguard holds firm
Although Chelsea s attackers stole the headlines with a brilliant second-half display, the visitors defence held firm in the face of Burnley pressure prior to the break, racking up a third consecutive Premier League clean sheet after keeping just two in their previous 13.
Chelsea have now kept eight away clean sheets in this Premier League season, the most of any side.
Key Opta facts
Chelsea s 4-0 win over Burnley was the biggest by an away team in a Premier League match that was goalless at half-time since Tottenham won 4-0 at Aston Villa in December 2012.
Chelsea enjoyed their biggest away Premier League win since October 2018, when they also beat Burnley 4-0 at Turf Moor.
No Chelsea player has scored more goals under Thomas Tuchel in all competitions than Kai Havertz (13), who on Saturday scored his first Premier League brace since May 2021 against Fulham.
No visiting player has scored more Premier League away goals at Turf Moor than Christian Pulisic (four, level with Harry Kane).
Burnley remain winless in their eight home Premier League meetings with Chelsea (D1 L7), the joint-most they have faced an opponent in the competition at Turf Moor without winning (also eight v Arsenal).
What s next?
Chelsea now go to struggling Norwich City in the Premier League on Thursday, while Burnley s fight for survival continues with a massive trip to Brentford in a week s time.
