EPL: Chelsea thrash Burnley; Liverpool edge out West Ham
Four goals in 22 second-half minutes helped Chelsea cruise to victory at Turf Moore away to Burnley with a brace from Kai Havertz.
Burnley will rue missed opportunities when the scores were level as they fell to a second successive defeat to remain in the relegation zone.
Just after the half-hour mark, the hosts squandered a great chance. Ashley Westwood’s looped cross was misjudged by Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy, who only punched as far as Dwight McNeil. Somehow, with the goal gaping, he managed to shoot over the bar.
Chelsea had plenty of possession in the first half, but little cutting edge; Nick Pope was barely tested in the Burnley goal.
Almost immediately after the restart, though, James edged into a crowded area and kept his cool to fire emphatically across Pope.
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Chelsea were soon three up and in total control. First, Pulisic’s pinpoint cross was guided home expertly by Havertz, before the German bundled James’ cross over the line.
Pulisic got in on the act 21 minutes from time, rounding off what turned out to be a comfortable afternoon for Chelsea.
Liverpool ramped up the pressure on Manchester City at the summit of the Premier League by clawing their way to a 1-0 win over West Ham. Sadio Mane was on the spot again and stabbed home the decisive goal in the 28th minute.
And despite a subdued second half showing, and a number of scares, Jurgen Klopp’s side managed to see the game out as they continue to chase another Premier League crown.
The result dealt West Ham’s Champions League hopes a blow and also ensured their miserable Merseyside record would continue; the Londoners have now won just once in their last 52 visits to Anfield.
