Chelsea Football Club moved within three points of Premier League leaders Arsenal Football Club after a commanding 2-0 victory over Burnley Football Club at Turf Moor on Saturday, November 22, 2025. The win, sealed by goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández, lifted Chelsea Football Club to second place with 27 points from 12 matches — their fifth win in six league games under manager Enzo Maresca. For Burnley Football Club, the loss left them clinging to 17th place, just one spot above the relegation zone on goal difference, with their fate now hanging by a thread ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Newcastle United later that day.
Goals from Neto and Fernández seal statement win
The breakthrough came in the 37th minute when Portuguese winger Pedro Neto rose above the Burnley defense to meet a floated cross with a diving header that tucked into the far corner. It was his first Premier League goal of the season and a moment of pure instinct — the kind that separates contenders from pretenders. The goal stunned the home crowd, who had seen Burnley hold firm against Liverpool and Arsenal at Turf Moor earlier this season. "That was pure class," said one fan in the stands, wiping sweat from his brow. "I haven’t seen a header like that since Kane against City in ’23." Burnley responded with urgency, but Chelsea Football Club’s midfield trio of Andrey Santos, Enzo Fernández, and Jamie Gittens controlled the tempo with surgical precision. The Argentine playmaker Enzo Fernández put the result beyond doubt in the 88th minute, cutting inside from the left and firing a low, curling shot past Łukasz Fabiański — his fourth goal of the campaign. The goal sent the traveling Chelsea fans into delirium. "We knew they’d crack," said one supporter holding a scarf soaked in rain. "They’ve got no spine when the pressure’s on."Maresca’s tactical adjustments and Palmer’s absence
Manager Enzo Maresca made four changes from the side that beat Wolverhampton Wanderers before the international break, resting Moisés Caicedo after his double appearance for Ecuador. Reece James, the team captain, started but was replaced at halftime by Benoît Badiashile after a minor knock. "It was precautionary," Maresca explained post-match. "He’s a warrior, but we’ve got a Champions League game coming up. We can’t risk him. The bigger blow was the absence of Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s creative spark, sidelined by a fractured toe sustained at home. "It’s fractured," Maresca said, shrugging. "The only thing we know is that he’s not available for this week, next week. It can happen. I wake up many times during the night to go to the toilet, and I hit my head, my leg, my everything — so it can happen." The comment, delivered with dry humor, masked the real concern: Palmer’s injury leaves a gaping hole in the final third.Burnley’s fight for survival intensifies
For Burnley Football Club, managed by Scott Parker, the defeat was a dagger. They now have just 13 points from 12 games — seven of those earned at home, but only against the likes of Fulham, Brighton, and Nottingham Forest. Their defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal were expected. But losing to Chelsea — a team that had drawn their previous two away games — was a blow to morale.Substitutions came late: Lyle Foster, Hannibal Mejbri, and Armando Broja — back from an ankle injury suffered with Albania — were thrown on in the 60th minute. Broja, once a Chelsea academy product, had a chance to haunt his old club but sent a header wide. Burnley’s protests grew louder after a shoving incident between Benoît Badiashile and Jacob Bruun Larsen at a corner, which the referee deemed worthy of only a yellow card. "That was a red," said Parker afterward. "We’re not asking for favors. We’re asking for fairness."
Champions League looming, Arsenal next
Chelsea’s next test arrives Tuesday, November 25, 2025, when they host FC Barcelona in a pivotal Champions League clash. Then, just five days later, comes the real gauntlet: a home match against Arsenal Football Club at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, November 30. That game could decide whether Chelsea are genuine title challengers — or just a team that peaked too early.Meanwhile, Burnley’s survival hopes rest on results elsewhere. With Manchester City set to face Newcastle United later on November 22, a City win could drop Burnley into 18th place. "We’ve got six games left," said defender Tosin Adarabioyo after the match. "We need to believe. We’ve done it before."
What’s next for the league?
The Premier League table now reads: Arsenal (30), City (28 — pending match), Chelsea (27), Liverpool (26). The top four are tightening like a vice. But the bottom is a war zone. Burnley, West Ham, and Leeds United are separated by just two points. Every fixture from now on feels like a final.Frequently Asked Questions
How does Chelsea’s win affect their title chances?
Chelsea’s win puts them just three points behind Arsenal with a game in hand, and their unbeaten run in the league (five wins, one draw in six games) shows real momentum. With key players like Enzo Fernández and Pedro Neto firing, and Maresca’s tactical discipline holding firm, they’re no longer just challengers — they’re serious contenders. A win against Arsenal on November 30 could put them top.
Why is Burnley’s home record so inconsistent?
Burnley’s home form at Turf Moor has been a mix of grit and fragility. They’ve earned seven points from six games, beating mid-table sides but losing to the top two — Liverpool and Arsenal. Their defense looks solid against lower-pressing teams but collapses under high-intensity attacks. With only 13 points total, they’re one loss away from the drop zone, and their lack of goals (just 11 scored all season) makes them vulnerable.
What impact does Cole Palmer’s injury have on Chelsea’s attack?
Palmer’s fractured toe is a major blow. He’s Chelsea’s most creative midfielder, with 7 goals and 5 assists this season. His absence leaves a void in link-up play and late runs into the box. Maresca has relied on Fernández and Gittens to compensate, but neither has Palmer’s vision. Without him, Chelsea may struggle to break down deep defenses — a problem that could resurface against Arsenal’s compact backline.
Could Burnley still avoid relegation?
It’s possible, but unlikely. Burnley need to win at least four of their remaining six games and hope other teams slip up. Their next fixtures — away to Tottenham and home to Everton — are winnable, but they’ve lost their last three away games. With only 11 goals scored all season, they lack firepower. If Manchester City beat Newcastle, Burnley could be in 18th place — and history shows teams in 18th after 12 games rarely survive.
What does this result say about Enzo Maresca’s management?
Maresca is proving to be a shrewd tactician. He’s built a team that controls possession, presses intelligently, and scores at crucial moments — all without relying on star names. His rotations are calculated, his substitutions timely, and his calm demeanor steadies the squad. After a shaky start, Chelsea now have the second-best defensive record in the top six. He’s not just keeping them in the top four — he’s making them a threat to win it all.
How significant was the assistant referee’s radio issue during the match?
The radio malfunction caused a 90-second delay in the 42nd minute, halting play while officials swapped equipment. While it didn’t affect any decisions, it disrupted Burnley’s momentum after Neto’s goal. Assistant referees rely on constant communication for offside calls and fouls — any lapse risks errors. This was a minor glitch, but it highlights how fragile VAR and officiating systems still are, even in elite football.
