Chelsea: Anelka 45, Ballack 47, Cole, 51

Three goals in seven minutes either side of half-time gave Chelsea a routine victory over Premier League new-boys Burnley, leaving the Blues ahead of Tottenham on goal difference at the top of the table.

The margin of victory would have been larger but for an outstanding display by the Clarets’ Danish goalkeeper Brian Jensen.

Yet matters could have been different if Burnley’s Martin Paterson hadn’t squandered a gilt-edged opportunity after only nine minutes.

Both defences had already been stretched in a lively opening when Chelsea’s Frank Lampard was uncharacteristically caught in possession by Tyrone Mears, who squared the ball to the unmarked Paterson.

But the striker scuffed his shot from 12 yards wide of Petr Cech’s right-hand post. It was Burnley’s last worthwhile effort, as Chelsea dominated thereafter.

The frequently-exposed Jensen denied Michael Ballack, John Terry and Frank Lampard and looked to have seen his side through to the break.

However, right on half- time, Didier Drogba broke free down the right and Burnley defender Clark Carlisle was unable to get enough on Drogba’s low cross to stop Nicolas Anelka sliding the ball in off the post.

By the 51^st minute, Chelsea were three-up. Michael Ballack converted Lampard’s left-wing cross with a diving header from close range on 47 minutes.

And Ashley Cole worked a clever one-two with Lampard before firing the ball left-footed over Jensen into the far corner.

Jensen then denied Michael Essien, twice, and Ballack. But when substitute Salomon Kalou pushed the ball past Jensen late on, Mears was on-hand to make a terrific goal-line clearance.

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti said: “In the first half, we played strong and I was very pleased. We have started the season very well.”

Burnley keeper Brian Jensen added: “I know that coming here, I’m going to be busy. But we were unlucky to concede the goals just before and after half-time.”