By Since66
August 30 2009
Prior to the kick-off, Chelsea discovered that QPR will travel to Stamford Bridge in the 3rd Round of the Carling Cup in the latter days of September, with Tottingham on the previous Sunday there will be two London derbies within a matter of days. So Chelsea are top of the League as we head into the International break (YAWN YAWN).
I know I keep harping on about the irregular kick offs suiting the TV companies, but I noticed in yesterday's programme Chelsea first 3pm kick-off at Stamford Bridge doesn't happen until 21st November when we entertain Wolves.
Burnley were a stubborn and organised outfit, Brian Jensen lived up to his 'Beast' nickname and I wonder how Super Frank would be feeling this morning had Paterson scored for Burnley after Super Frank was easily dispossessed.
Chelsea should have been a goal or two up before then.
Anelka had a shot saved by the 'Beast' and when clear Anelka made the wrong decision to try and round the 'Beast' when a simple chip might have sufficed.
Still, Chelsea took the lead (eventually and right on half-time). Drogba played a cross in from the right and Anelka slid in at the far post to get the faintest of touches to stop Burnley conceding an own goal.
Two minutes after the re-start Ballack headed Chelsea further ahead and then minutes later Ashley Cole scored a rare goal (a goal he had threatened to score last season) when he picked up a Lampard return and volleyed into the net.
'Anco' said after the game, "I am happy because we showed good play on the pitch, played very well in the first half and had good ideas to play. We have to maintain this situation and now the play improves with improved confidence. We are very happy.
"We have a possibility, we started well but we know the season is very long. It will be difficult for sure this season but we have the possibility to step up."
Burnley boss Owen Coyle, who the Claret's fans chanted his name throughout the game said, "We were well in the game. The goal itself had suspcisions of offside, but there is no doubt Chelsea were deserved winners. We're disappointed as a group that we have lost the game 3-0.
"It was a lesson at times in the way Chelsea pass the ball. Lampard set the ball up for Ballack and that's why they could play for any team in the world.
"I was never worried it might get out of hand, you will have to ask Mr. Ancelotti if he was worried at 3-0, I don't think he would have been."
Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa (Belletti 65), Carvalho, Terry (c), A Cole, Ballack (Mikel 82), Essien, Lampard, Anelka, Deco, Drogba (Kalou 75)
Goals: Anelka 45, Ballack 47, A Cole 51
Burnley: Jensen, Mears, Carlisle, Bikey, Jordan, Alexander (c) (McDonald 74), Fletcher, Elliott, McCann, Blake (Guerrero 77), Paterson
Booked: Mears 47

