EPL round-up: Chelsea win, Saints in trouble
Premier League giants Chelsea sealed a crucial 2-1 victory against Burnley in the Premier League. Chelsea reduced the gap to fourth placed Tottenham to five points. An own goal by Kevin Long followed by Victor's 2nd half strike, helped the Blues script an important victory. Burnley, meanwhile, stay seventh as they suffered their first loss after five successive wins. Here is what happened.
Chelsea started on the front foot and got their dividends after an own goal by Kevin Long in 20th minute. The Blues went into half-time in a comfortable position with Burnley offering little resistance. But the Clarets replied strong in 2nd half when Ashley Barnes netted the equalizer. But the happiness was cut short as Victor Moses sealed the win in 69th minute.
This was the first time in 2018 that Antonio Conte's side have won back-to-back EPL games. Conte reached a special milestone as the tie against Burnley was his 100th game in charge of Chelsea. He has won 65 matches. Burnley's Barnes scored his fifth goal in past seven league appearances. Chelsea are likely to seal fifth place after going nine points ahead of Arsenal.
Southampton needed a win at any cost to draw close to 17th placed Swansea City (33 points). The 0-0 draw saw them gaining a point (29) but are stuck on 18th place. Southampton are winless in their previous eight appearances. The game had its moments as Shane Long's close range effort was blocked. Jamie Vardy's well taken shot was tipped over the post.
Chelsea face Southampton on Sunday in the FA Cup semi-final at the Wembley. Burnley, meanwhile, face relegation threatened Stoke City this weekend. Leicester City have a week's rest and then they take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
