Full Time: Chelsea 3-1 Newcastle United
Antonio Conte’s Chelsea continued their decent run of form as they picked up all three points from Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United’s visit to the Stamford Bridge this weekend. Alvaro Morata doubled the lead for the hosts after being set up by Victor Moses, who just came back from an injury, not too long after Eden Hazard equalised for Chelsea.
Dwight Gayle opened the scoring on the night, pushing Newcastle United 1-0 up under 13 minutes but the Belgian international coolly converted a penalty in the second half, winning all three points comfortably for his side in the end.
Here’s how Chelsea players fared in the game:
Chelsea Player Ratings
Thibaut Courtois (5)
Constantly harassed by the Newcastle attackers, Courtois should have done better to stop Gayle’s goal early in the game.
Cesar Azpilicueta (6)
Not his best game of this season but the Spaniard stuck to his task and grew stronger in the second half, helping his side see out the game.
Andreas Christensen (6)
Was partially at fault for the goal but was also unlucky in the buildup to it. Was solid otherwise, winning most balls thrown at him inside the box.
Antonio Rudiger (7)
A commanding performance from the German, who was not shy of taking on the Magpies. Produced a couple of decent through balls and also did well to keep them away from his goal.
Victor Moses (8)
Picked up the assist for Morata’s goal and won the penalty for Hazard’s second on a night where he was just too hot to handle for the visitors.
N’Golo Kante (8)
Gave Newcastle United no time to settle in the midfield and though he did very less to create at the other end, he was the perfect cover for his backline on a nervous night for the Blues.
Danny Drinkwater (6)
Had a role to play at both ends of the field and though he did nothing extra-ordinary, he did well enough to help his side to all three points.
Cesc Fabregas (7)
Was quiet for most of the game before bursting into life in the second half, constantly beating the press and creating chances time and again.
Marcos Alonso (5)
Did well to keep his backline away from danger but was off colour with his attacking duties, as the effect of playing three games in eight days is starting to show.
Eden Hazard (8)
Took a few kicks for his team’s cause but was easily their best player, as he started to make things happen in the second half, after having a quiet first half.
Alvaro Morata (6)
Struggled to deal with the physical approach of the Magpies but got his goal and did justice to his place in the side.
Substitutes:
Willian (5)
Gave the home side plenty to cheer as he decided to show-boat, coming on late in the game.
Tiemoue Bakayoko (5)
Came on to add mettle to the midfield and did well to see off the game.
Gary Cahill (N/A)
Replaced Christensen in the 80th minute.