New signings Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas made an instant impact for Chelsea as they launched their Premier League title bid with a confident 3-1 win at promoted Burnley yesterday.

In a fiery atmosphere, the home side took a surprise lead in the 14th minute with a superb drive from Scott Arfield after a fine pull back from Matt Taylor.

But Chelsea quickly got back on level terms, three minutes later, with Brazilian-born Spain international Costa, a close season signing from Atletico Madrid, scoring on his Premier League debut – firing in after a Branislav Ivanovic cross-shot had come out off the post.

Branislav Ivanovic scores Chelsea’s third goal against Burnley at Turf Moor yesterday.Branislav Ivanovic scores Chelsea’s third goal against Burnley at Turf Moor yesterday.

Within four minutes, Jose Mourinho’s side had the lead – Spanish midfielder Fabregas providing a beautiful first time pass to German World Cup winner Andre Schurrle who confidently drove home.

Burnley looked shell-shocked and their manager Sean Dyche will be disappointed with the defending for Chelsea’s third as Ivanovic was unchallenged as he slotted in a Fabregas corner in the 34th minute.

Next fixtures

Saturday: 13.45 Aston Villa vs Newcastle. 16.00 Chelsea vs Leicester; C. Palace vs West Ham; Southampton vs West Brom; Swansea vs Burnley. 18.30 Everton vs Arsenal.

Sunday: 14.30 Hull vs Stoke; Tottenham vs QPR. 17.00 Sunderland vs Manchester United.

Monday, Aug. 25: 21.00 Manchester City vs Liverpool.

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