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.
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.