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 (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 (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 (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.
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