Chelsea put Burnley to the sword with a dominant performance yesterday, and our analysis of the post-match statistics shows how influential our midfielders were in securing a fine away win…
4-3-3 pays off
Frank Lampard opted for a three-man midfield at Turf Moor with N’Golo Kante in a deeper role. The Frenchman was rock solid throughout, and gave the platform to Mount and Kai Havertz either side of him to express themselves further forward.
Kante’s 95 per cent pass completion rate was a game-high figure, with his 87 successful passes bettered only by Thiago Silva, who made 90.
Kante also recorded two interceptions, and his three tackles won was matched only by Mount of those wearing blue.
Mount to the fore
Mount was exceptional in midfield. He recorded game-high numbers for attempts and key passes, and he completed 73 of his 80 passes at an impressive completion rate despite the congested part of the pitch he was operating in.
He completed seven out of seven long balls he attempted, and three of his four corners found a team-mate, including the one Kurt Zouma thumped home. Zouma already has three league goals to his name this season, his best-ever return in the competition.
Mount now has one goal and three assists in 711 minutes of football this term.
Another shutout
The stats suggest it was our most complete defensive performance yet. Of Burnley’s five attempts, four were struck from outside the box, and none were on target.
Thiago Silva excelled again. His high passing stats came at a 93 per cent completion rate, he registered five clearances, and won five ground duels out five and four aerial duals out of five. It is that sort of physical dominance that is crucial to any win at Burnley.
We enjoyed a 64 per cent share of possession, with nobody spending more time on it than Thiago Silva (8.7 per cent). Next were Kante (8.3 per cent) and Mount (7.3 per cent).
Nine of our 14 attempts were on target, with Timo Werner, Tammy Abraham and Reece James having two efforts each.
Werner’s two key passes were bettered only by Mount, while Havertz’s three successful dribbles were unmatched.
Hakim Ziyech also had another game to remember, scoring and getting an assist. He is the first Chelsea player to net on his first two starts for us since Diego Costa in August 2014.