Burnley, England (SportsNetwork.com) - Chelsea netted three goals in the span of 17 first-half minutes on Monday to open its Premier League campaign with a 3-1 win at Turf Moor against promoted side Burnley.
Scott Arfield struck a surprising opener for Burnley after 14 minutes, but the lead didn't last long as Diego Costa netted the equalizer three minutes later in his first league match for the Blues.
Andre Schurrle scored in the 21st to put Chelsea in front, and Branislav Ivanovic scored in the 34th to make it 3-1, while Chelsea coasted home from there to claim three points.
Burnley made its return to the top flight in style in the 14th minute when Matthew Taylor pulled a ball back from the end line to Arfield, who took a touch and drove a curling shot past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
It was a stunning moment for Burnley against the title favorites, but Chelsea restored order three minutes later when Ivanovic delivered a low cross into the area that was deflected onto the post by a Burnley defender, allowing Costa to smack home the rebound.
Four minutes later Cesc Fabregas made a brilliant one-touch pass to set up Schurrle, who timed his run into the area perfectly and finished with a first- time shot past goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
Ivanovic then made it 3-1 in the 34th when he shook free from his defender and volleyed home a corner kick from Fabregas.
Chelsea eased off a bit after the break and was content to keep possession while Burnley was happy not to give away any more goals and was content with the final two-goal margin.
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