Chelsea travelled to Tyneside to take on Newcastle United at St. James’ Park earlier today. Maurizio Sarri’s team controlled the match well but couldn’t find a breakthrough in the first half. They came back strong and were able to earn a penalty in the 76th minute which Eden Hazard converted from the spot. The Magpies responded almost immediately when they found the equaliser through Joselu’s fantastic header just six minutes later.
However, the Pensioners scored once again when DeAndre Yedlin deflected a shot into his own net which made the points secure for the away team as Chelsea ran out 2-1 winners on the day. Let’s take a look at how each Chelsea player fared during the contest against the Magpies.
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga – 5/10
He struggled a lot while dealing with Newcastle’s crosses into the box. The former Athletic Bilbao keeper is failing to command his box and was at fault for the Magpies’ equaliser when he couldn’t protect his inner post.
RB: César Azpilicueta – 6/10
The Spaniard had to defend a lot and made a few good interceptions to deny the Magpies attackers. He tried to link up with Kante in the opposition half but was ineffective quite often going forward.
CB: Antonio Rüdiger – 7/10
He was unlucky not to score with his powerful long-range strike which hit the bar. The German defender had a good game and did enough to neutralise the threat of Solomon Rondon.
CB: David Luiz – 6/10
The Brazilian centre-back was defensively sound and got to see a lot of the ball. However, his passes were not incisive with so many of Benitez’s players behind the ball.
LB: Marcos Alonso – 9/10
Another outstanding display from the Spanish full-back! He provided some natural width down the left flank and ran the Newcastle defenders ragged. He earned the penalty for Chelsea, and his off-target shot was also deflected into the Newcastle goal which turned out to be the decider on a day with limited chances for both teams.
CM: N’Golo Kanté – 6/10
He worked hard for his team in midfield but failed to create anything meaningful going forward.
CM: Jorginho – 7/10
The new summer recruit distributed the ball well but was ineffective in creating chances for his teammates. However, it was another strong showing at the heart of Sarri’s midfield.
CM: Mateo Kovacic – 6/10
The Croatian showed some glimpses of his worth on his first league start and linked up well in midfield but failed to make an impact in the final third.
RM: Pedro – 6/10
He got a few excellent opportunities in the first half but failed to hit the target with his attempts.
ST: Álvaro Morata – 6/10
The Chelsea centre-forward held up the ball well to link up with his fellow teammates. However, the Spaniard did not look like he has a goal in him which will concern Chelsea fans.
LM: Eden Hazard – 8.5/10
The Belgian was outstanding and showed why the Pensioners are desperate to hang on to his services for the long-term. He stepped up to convert the penalty with confidence and was a constant threat to the Newcastle defenders up top.
Substitutes
ST: Olivier Giroud – 7/10
The Frenchman played his part in Chelsea’s second goal when he set up Alonso whose attempt got deflected into the Magpies goal.
CM: Ross Barkley – 5/10
He failed to make an impact after coming off the bench.
CAM: Willian – 6/10
He added some freshness and energy to the Blues midfield.
