Today's match represented one of those rare things, the chance for us to put pressure on our rivals before they play - the chance to stretch our legs at the top of the table knowing any result in tomorrow's key clash of the 'also rans' between Arsenal and Manchester United would be a good one.
A line-up that saw Drogba and Kalou left in Surrey to fully collect themselves for the rest of our pressing couple of weeks, manager Ancelotti had opted for the following; Cech, Ivanovic, Alex, Terry (c), A.Cole, Ballack, Lampard, Zhirkov, Malouda, J.Cole and Anelka.
Chelsea went into the game with a disappointingly lax approach early on, Malouda, Ballack and Joe Cole all guilty of misplacing passes or making key runs. Even mercurial striker Nicolas Anelka was finding it hard to shake himself into action and so it looked as if today could be 'one of those days'.
The early stages of the match were characterised by neither side being able to really sting the opposition's nerves, passing was laboured and it looked as if the large shadow cast by recent tabloid nonsense could actually eclipse the game.
That was until aforementioned languid striker, Anelka, DID wake himself up in the 27th minute. A quick interchange of passing saw Joe Cole run clear on the right, delivering a perfectly weighted lofted cross over the back rushing defenders to the far post, collected by Malouda who centred smartly for Anelka to steal in unmarked and side-foot home with his weaker hoof to put the Blues 0-1 up.
From there the match fell back into the previous pattern, with Chelsea sauntering in 2nd gear at best, and Burnley producing much huff and puff to close man and space. The teams went in at half time with the away side leading 0-1.
Predictably the second half got underway with Burnley flying out of the traps and looking to get on level terms. This took them 5 min. With the ball played through from midfield the usually reliable towering Brazilian centre half monster that is Alex failed to deal with a bouncing ball, allowing the hungrier Steve Fletcher to bustle past him, controlling with a hint of handball, and fire past the onrushing Cech to equalise.
Stung into action Chelsea stepped up a notch and started trying to take the game by the scruff of its neck. Unfortunately an off performance from Michael Ballack often impacted on the rhythm of the away side, with several moves breaking down in the final third. In spite of this however Brian Jensen's goal was coming under severe pressure, with the big 'keeper thinking he had seen his net ripple again as Joe Cole was wrongly ruled offside from setting Chelsea back in front.
The inevitable eventually did happen, and as with so many things in life the poetry was in full flow come the 82nd minute. Another corner was won, with Lampard lining up to take it - delivering with accuracy into the near side of the 6-yard box to meet the furious charge of Chelsea and England Captain John Terry who powered an unstoppable header into the home-sides goal. Burnley 1-2 Chelsea, and numerous high profile idiots who's very presence devalues the description 'journalist' were eyeing their keyboards with malice after fate had punished them.
The remainder of the match was played out in a scrappy and resigned manner from the home-side, with Chelsea content to try and keep the ball and see out the three points, which they did without incident.
Chelsea stay top of the Premier League going into February with a 4pt lead over their closest rivals Manchester United, who play the 3rd placed side Arsenal tomorrow to take both clubs to having played one more game than the Blues, yet still trailing. Tomorrow's result will bring a smile to Chelsea faces regardless of outcome. Blue Tinted's view is, however, a draw would be best - leaving a win in our next league fixture (Hull, Away, Feb 2nd) to take us 6 points ahead. Watch this space.
Final Word: John Terry.
A lot has been said about our club captain this last couple of days, a lot of our own supporters choosing to buy in to the media stupidity and jealous moronic attitude shown by rival fans. What Terry has done is between him, his wife and his friend. What he does on the pitch for Chelsea remains of the highest standard, as we are sure he will continue to also do for England. We are extremely lucky to have an English, Chelsea youth product of world-class standard as our club captain - something that may not happen again. Support your club, support your country and support your captain.
We would encourage you NOT to buy the Daily Mail or News of the World at any point if you have a choice, these publications continue to pursue their agenda against the England captain in a World Cup year and have no motivation other than to shift copies and make money. No class, no integrity, no value. Avoid them.
Predictions: We will be doing promotions and relegations this weekend now January is wrapped up, thanks to all who take part in our competition - the level of interest has been astounding and we are working hard on improving the site in 2010, with the unveiling of 'New Tinted' as we call it - to be looked forward to.
Thanks for reading, chin up John.
KTBFFH