Premier League title favourites Chelsea got their campaign off to a flyer against top flight newcomers Burnley, coming back from a goal down and coasting to a 3-1 win at Turf Moor.
The hosts took a surprise lead when Scott Arfield rifled home a volley early on, but the Blues were soon in front following two quickfire goals from debutant Diego Costa and World Cup winner Andre Schurrle.
Chelsea then took control, with Branislav Ivanovic netting a third from a corner to seal all three points before half time.
Many have installed the Blues as frontrunners for the crown this term, and while they may not have faced their toughest test in Sean Dyche’s men – who made their first Premier League appearance in five years – the comfortable nature of the victory is a clear indication of their class.
Jose Mourinho named an impressively strong line-up against the promoted side, handing league debuts to new signings Costa and Cesc Fabregas.
The London side suffered from their lack of firepower up front last season – with Fernando Torres, Samuel Eto’o and Demba Ba managing only 19 goals between them – but Mourinho’s summer buys have already allayed fears of a repeat this time around.
Costa’s brutish presence in around the box proved the cornerstone for their attacking moves, while Belgium star Eden Hazard was back to his best drifting in from wide and stunning defenders with quick feet and dazzling runs.
But it was the playmaking genius of Cesc Fabregas that caught the eye most, with his gorgeous assist for Schurrle's goal sure to make all Arsenal fans wonder why Arsene Wenger turned down the opportunity to re-sign the former Gunners hero.
One of the early talking points was also a first appearance for Thibaut Courtois who started in goal, perhaps hinting that Petr Cech’s ten-year reign as number one at Chelsea could be at an end.
But the attention soon returned to the pitch, however, as, after a scrappy start from both sides, the hosts silenced the visiting support with the opening goal after 13 minutes.
Chelsea lacked cutting edge from the start and their failure to clear from a corner saw former West Ham man Matthew Taylor rush in behind the back-four.
His chipped cross found the lurking Arfield – playing in his first ever Premier League match – who hit a swerving volley past an unsighted Courtois from the edge of the box to secure a dream start for the Clarets.
But unfortunately for Dyche’s side, going behind only seemed to spark Chelsea into life. Their passing became slicker, their positioning more organised and it took little time for the title hopefuls to equalise.
Ivanovic’s driven pass from the right wing was deflected across the face of Burnley’s goal, with the goalkeeper and a handful of defenders caught in two minds when the ball clattered the far post and fell nicely for £32million striker Costa, who made no mistake as he smashed in from close-range in the 17th minute.
And moments later the hosts looked completely stunned as Schurrle reeled away in celebration of Chelsea’s second with 21 on the clock, the German forward finishing off an exquisite move that indicates the team’s attacking problems are now firmly behind them.
After a scampering run from Hazard, Fabregas eventually found the ball on the edge of the area and the Spaniard didn't even look up as he provided a perfect first-time through-ball to Schurrle, who lost his man to poke in from close-range.
There was then a moment of controversy when Chelsea were denied what appeared to be a stonewall penalty.
Costa, taking advantage of a poor backpass, went clear though on goal but was tripped by oncoming Clarets stopper Tom Heaton, though referee Michael Oliver had a different view as he booked the striker for diving.
The Blues were rightfully incensed and Costa astounded, but their annoyance was soon forgotten when they notched a third shortly after.
Again it was Fabregas with the assist, the former Barcelona midfielder’s corner finding Ivanovic in the box, with the Serb taking full advantage of some hesitant defending to wrap up the win with a neat volley.
Having netted three in a rampant 17 minute spell, the second half was played out in stark contrast to the first.
The hosts began well, showcasing a spirit that is sure to stand them in good stead this season, as striker Danny Ings fired narrowly wide from the off.
Arfield was next to go close, with only a firm left hand from Courtois denying the midfielder his second from a fierce drive, but the game’s pace soon resembled a training fixture as Chelsea again began to dictate play.
All that was left was a brief moment of joy for Blues fans when club hero Didier Drogba came off the bench with five minutes remaining.
And the Ivorian almost made it four when his audacious long-range effort zipped just past the post in the closing stages.
