Better than Ancelotti? Maresca joins Chelsea greats with Burnley win

Burnley 0-2 Chelsea 

There were understandable doubts about Enzo Maresca's ability to manage at the top level - given his inexperience in only taking charge of Leicester City and Parma - when he took over at Chelsea in July 2024. But in taking charge of his 82nd game in all competitions, Maresca has arguably joined the Chelsea greats during his 18-month stint so far. Not just for winning the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup, but his improving managerial record to go above respected bosses such as Carlo Ancelotti.

After watching his side beat Burnley 2-0 on Saturday lunchtime, he now has an average of 2.04 points per game, putting him sixth on the all-time list of bosses at Stamford Bridge. Only Avram Grant, Antonio Conte, José Mourinho, Thomas Tuchel and Maurizio Sarri can demonstrate having a better record during their time in the Stamford Bridge dugout. Maresca's record even puts him above Ancelotti, who won the Premier League and FA Cup double in his two seasons with the west London club, as well as Champions League-winning coach Roberto Di Matteo.

Burnley hadn't beaten Chelsea at Turf Moor since 1983. But after spirited displays against Arsenal and Chelsea at their home ground, and the Blues without Cole Palmer again, the Clarets would fancy their chances. Maresca had to cope with not having Moises Caicedo in the starting XI too, with the Ecuadorian needing a rest after playing 180 minutes for Ecuador in the international break. But the Italian had a plan, and his increasing adaptability is helping him become a better manager with every week and Chelsea a better team.

It wasn't a vintage performance from Chelsea, but the kind that reflected their status. At the moment, this team are finding ways to pick up points without truly hitting full stride. Burnley are defensively adept and provide a threat on the counter through Zian Flemming. The first half summed up both of Chelsea's strengths and weaknesses: controlling possession, a strength, but moving the ball passively, a weakness. That was until a long ball found Marc Cucurella up field and he laid it back to Jamie Gittens, who swung in a beautiful cross and Pedro Neto headed home superbly. It was Neto's third goal in his last five games, having scored just once in his previous seven.

Chances were far and few between for both sides, although Chelsea were comfortable in possession and Andrey Santos was magnificent in the Caicedo role. They continued to press for a second in and in the 88th minute, found the goal that effectively confirmed all three points. Marc Guiu broke away down the right and smartly decided to cut the ball back to Enzo Fernandez, who slotted the ball underneath two Burnley players on the line. The celebrations after the goal and shortly following the final whistle showed the togetherness of the squad under Maresca.

The tactical markings of this squad aren't perfect, but they're good enough to lift Chelsea to second in the Premier League and only three points behind Arsenal. The next challenge for Maresca? A crucial Champions League match-up against Barcelona, which will prove his mettle against his predecessors.