Ancelotti happy as rampant Chelsea give Burnley a lesson

29 August 2009 15:53
Another free-flowing display from Chelsea continued manager Carlo Ancelotti's perfect start in English football Saturday as Burnley were brushed aside 3-0. Goals from Nicolas Anelka, Michael Ballack and Ashley Cole in a seven-minute spell either side of halftime crushed a Burnley side that had previously beaten champions Manchester United and Everton. Ancelotti could not have hoped for a better start to his Chelsea reign and even suggested he will be glad when the transfer window closes, so happy is he with his players. "I think now the way we are playing is improving our confidence and we are very happy," said former AC Milan coach Ancelotti whose side have a maximum 12 points and who look favourites to end United's grip on the Premier League title. "It's important to maintain concentration, to maintain quick movement of the ball for 90 minutes. I am very happy every week because we are on the right road. "I am happy not just because we played well but because the (transfer) window closes in two days. We're very well with these players, I don't want to change and I don't want to take other players." Goalscorer Cole said there was an extra determination in the squad to knock Manchester United off their perch. "That was our best home performance," Cole told BBC Radio. "We moved the ball very quickly and that kills teams. "I think the determination to win back the Premier League and go far in the Champions League is huge and we are a very tight unit. We went close last season but we feel we can make an even bigger push this time." Chelsea completely outclassed Burnley whose manager Owen Coyle admitted were given a reality check after an impressive return to the big time following a 33-year absence. "It was a lesson at times in the way Chelsea pass the ball," Coyle said. "(Frank) Lampard and Ballack could play for any team in the world." Chelsea peppered Burnley's goal in the first half with only some great goalkeeping by Brian Jensen keeping them out until Michael Essien picked out Anelka to slot home with seconds remaining before the interval. Lampard then presented Ballack with the chance to head Chelsea's second after 47 minutes before Cole left Burnley reeling with a powerful volley after bursting into the box.

Source: Eurosport