Chelsea
Influential Hazard, poor Kepa – The best and the worst-rated Chelsea stars rated vs Newcastle United
Chelsea player ratings vs Newcastle United – Who impressed and who did not?
Chelsea ground out a narrow 2-1 win against a stubborn Newcastle United team at St. James’ Park to continue their winning start to the season. Marcos Alonso, who won the penalty for the first goal, forced home the winner via a big deflection from De Andre Yedlin to seal the points for Maurizio Sarri’s men.
It was a game where Chelsa’s attack played against the Newcastle defence. So, one may imagine that no quarters were given to the likes of Eden Hazard to create chances on a regular basis. In the end, a somewhat controversial penalty and a lucky own goal gave the Blues a vital win against Benitez’s men, who got the equalizer after offering next to nothing throughout the game.
Here’s how the Chelsea players rated against the Tyneside outfit:
Chelsea player ratings
Kepa Arrizabalaga (5.5/10)
Made a good save early on but still lacked command in set-piece situations. Seemed shocked to see Joselu score the goal beyond his near post.
Cesar Azpilicueta
Cesar Azpilicueta (6/10)
Wasn’t tested defensively, so he had to be impactful on the other side of the pitch. At times, Chelsea looked ruthless down the right.
Antonio Rudiger (7/10)
Kept Salomon Rondon at bay even though the striker was alone. Had a spectacular effort thunder the cross-bar, which might just have been the goal of the season.
David Luiz (6.5/10)
Was defensively solid but couldn’t pass with great accuracy as Newcastle sat deep to cut out the supply lines.
Marcos Alonso
Marcos Alonso (8/10)
Alonso was a solid attacking outlet down the left-hand side. Won the penalty and forced home the winner to essentially win the points for Chelsea.
Jorginho (6.5/10)
Was excellent on the ball and passed with great accuracy. It was hard to find incisiveness beyond a deep defence.
Mateo Kovacic (6/10)
The Croat was good in his passing and interchange but he lacked creativity.
N’Golo Kante (6/10)
The Frenchman often looked uncomfortable, making it evident that he is still getting used to his new position. Few neat passes but nothing to worry Newcastle.
Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard (8/10)
Was fouled umpteen times during the game but he stood up and kept probing the defence. He was Chelsea’s best player on the field.
Alvaro Morata (6/10)
His hold-up and link-up play weren’t bad but there were situations where he needed to be in the box rather than crossing. Missed a good chance in the second half due to a poor first touch.
Pedro (6/10)
Had the best chance for Chelsea in the first half but the Spaniard missed it. Went missing after the break and was eventually subbed.
SUBS
Olivier Giroud (Sub on after 65 mins) (7/10)
Was heavily involved in the second Chelsea goal and should have been given a free-kick when Yedlin elbowed him in the build-up for Newcastle’s equalizer.
Willian (Sub on after 68 mins) (6/10)
Lovely ball from the free-kick which got Chelsea the winner. Willian also added energy against a tiring defence.
Read More: This £100,000-a-week Chelsea attacker could revive his career under Maurizio Sarri – Opinion
Ross Barkley (Sub on after 79 mins) (N/A)
Didn’t get time to influence the game.
Chelsea star Lauren James has opened up about the public scrutiny regarding her personality and the lazy labels often attached to her playing style. The England forward insists that her laid back nature is a reflection of her introverted character rather than a lack of professional desire.
The 24 year old has addressed the frequent misconceptions regarding her demeanour on and off the pitch. James has become one of the most recognisable figures in the women’s game, yet she admits that her naturally reserved personality is often misinterpreted by those who do not know her personally.
Care a Lot Despite Laid Back Character
“I’m very misunderstood. Because I’m such a laid back character, it can sometimes come across that I’m not bothered, but actually I care a lot. That is just the way I am,” said James in an interview with The Times. “Sometimes it’s great. Then other times there’s a lot of criticism, which can be about me as a person when they don’t know me.”
James hopes her transparency will help other introverted athletes feel comfortable in their own skin. “Hopefully, it inspires other girls that play football and are similar. They’re laid back, they’re introverts, they don’t like talking to everyone. Sometimes it can come across as arrogant, but actually, they don’t know how shy you are.”
Trying to Find Rhythm After Injuries
Despite her quiet off field presence, James remains incredibly ambitious on the pitch as she works her way back from a string of foot, calf, and hamstring issues. “I’m just trying to find the rhythm and get back my best. When you’ve had so many little injuries, it takes time to trust your body again. I’m starting to feel a lot more like myself again, and hopefully I can build on that.”
Chelsea face Manchester United in the Women’s League Cup final next weekend before their WSL clash against Brighton on March 18.
Also read: An Injury Setback For Izzy Atkinson as Sunderland Women Star’s Return Timeline Emerges
WWE wrestler Chelsea Green enjoyed the full Chelsea experience when she was the guest of honour at Stamford Bridge against Brentford last month. The former two time and inaugural WWE Women’s United States Champion made her first trip to the stadium to watch the Blues beat the Bees 2-0.
The 34 year old watched on from the Dugout Club as Liam Rosenior’s men secured victory after goals from Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer. Green, who has Chelsea roots in her family with her mother and extended family being British, also sent a congratulatory message to the west London outfit on Instagram following the Club World Cup triumph last summer.
Dove in Headfirst as Chelsea Fans Do
The former AAA World Mixed Tag Team Champion told talkSPORT, “I had the best time, I drank lots of champagne, I got a jersey. I really just like dove in headfirst as the Chelsea fans do.”
Green, who joined talkSPORT as part of WWE 2K26 Creator Fest, was speaking to ex Chelsea star Tony Cascarino on Weekend Breakfast. However, she broke the 63 year old’s heart by admitting she would not don his retro kit after being gifted a shirt by Blues ace Marc Cucurella.
I’m a Kuk’s Girl Right Now
On the prospect of wearing a Cascarino kit, Green replied: “I don’t think so. I feel like, I’m sorry, but I feel like I’m a Kuk’s girl right now.” This is brilliant loyalty from Green, who clearly understands the importance of supporting current players over legends from the past.
Chelsea Fan for Life
Green recently opened up on her connection with Chelsea that goes far beyond simply sharing a name. “I’ve been a Chelsea fan for life. My grandparents are British, my mum is British, my cousins and uncle are here, and I also lived in Devon when I was seven and eight years old,” she told the Blues’ website.
The Canadian born wrestler was gifted a custom Chelsea FC belt and a Cucurella shirt during her memorable first visit to Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what could prove decisive for the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions. Arsenal sit top of the table with 61 points from 28 matches, five points clear of Manchester City, who still have a game in hand, while Chelsea occupy 7th with 45 points after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
This represents a huge opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to put further distance between themselves and the chasing pack before facing Brighton away on Wednesday. Chelsea arrive at the Emirates in patchy form under Liam Rosenior, who has won just two of his eight league matches since replacing Enzo Maresca in January despite an encouraging start to his tenure.
Kick-off: 4:30 GMT, Sunday, March 1, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports
Kai Havertz Returns to Haunt Former Club
Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Kai Havertz will train on Saturday ahead of the Chelsea clash, giving the German a chance to feature against his former employers. Havertz has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early February, but scored the winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi final victory over Chelsea earlier this month.
The 26 year old has endured a nightmare campaign with injuries limiting him to just 158 Premier League minutes this season, though he has still managed two goals and two assists when available. Viktor Gyokeres has flourished in Havertz’s absence, scoring twice in the 4-1 North London Derby demolition of Tottenham last weekend.
Rosenior Yet to Face Top Six Opposition
Liam Rosenior faces his first test against a top six side in the league since taking charge of Chelsea, having only faced teams sitting 7th or lower during his opening eight matches. His winning run needs proper context, given the quality of opposition, with recent dropped points against Leeds and Burnley at Stamford Bridge exposing serious vulnerabilities.
Arteta has beaten Rosenior twice already this season in the two legged Carabao Cup semi final, and the Spanish manager will fancy his chances of completing a treble over the Chelsea boss. Bukayo Saka should be fit despite limping off late against Spurs, while Ben White remains doubtful with a niggle.
Predicted Lineups: Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Also read: Kai Havertz Injury Update: Real Timeline and Medical Details Revealed!
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