KAI HAVERTZ rescued Chelsea from a frustrating goalless draw as he burried the winner against Newcastle amidst the club’s turmoil.
It was the European Champions’ first home game since Roman Abramovich’s Government sanction.
Kai Havertz celebrates Chelsea’s winnerCredit: Reuters
And their overwhelming apprehension threatened to carry onto the pitch until Havertz’s late winner.
Here, Simon Phillips rates Thomas Tuchel’s performers.
Edouard Mendy – 7
Made a few good saves as Newcastle threatened on occasions. His defence in front of him was quite open, and Mendy was also needed to help Chelsea keep the ball building from the back
Trevoh Chalobah – 7
Looked comfortable enough as a full back and was decent on the ball. Won’t offer the same attacking threat that Reece James obviously would though, but solid performance.
Andreas Christensen – 7
Part of a back four today and had a pretty good game all round to be fair.
Comfortable on the ball and he was the main one Chelsea were using deep to play out with.
Antonio Rudiger demonstrated passion on the pitchCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
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Antonio Rudiger – 9
Solid and emphatic performance from Rudiger, who was certainly one of the more livelier Chelsea players today.
Carrying the ball well and driving with it, and also good defending in the air. The only one with real passion today.
Malang Sarr – 6
Didn’t do a lot wrong but the same as with Chalobah, he will never bring much in an attacking sense in the full back position so it was a case of losing attacking outlets really.
Jorginho – 6
Some nice little passes in tight spaces and linked up well to help move Chelsea forward.
Also got caught on the ball a couple of times as well though despite some great touches but set up Havertz’s winner.
Jorginho linked up well to help move Chelsea forwardCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
His pace and energy was very useful for Chelsea as they often struggled to play out from the back.
His dribbling was needed and also recovery and interceptions as always.
Mason Mount – 5
He was subbed off early in the second half after a poor game and he wasn’t really involved enough or on the ball enough to be able to really make a difference for Chelsea.
Hakim Ziyech – 7
Very tidy on the ball and neat quick feet at times. He was fouled a lot and was using his feet well in order to nip past challenges. Always more comfortable out wide on the right for me.
Timo Werner struggled against the Newcastle backlineCredit: EPA
Timo Werner – 4
Seems like every good move that then landed with Werner, he would then be the cause of the attack breaking down with a loose pass or getting tackled.
Not good enough again from him and another terrible performance in a Chelsea shirt to add to the collection.
Kai Havertz – 8
Putting himself about well and doing well to wind up Dan Burn. Strong on the ball and an aerial threat as well. Some good touches and ball progression.
Should have scored early in the second half to win the game but more than made up for it with a sublime touch and then finish right at the death!
Kai Havertz slotted home to win the gameCredit: Reuters
SUBS
Romelu Lukaku for Werner (63 mins) – 6
Didn’t do much better than Werner really when he came on and struggled to make an impact.
Mateo Kovacic for Mount (63 mins) – 8
Chelsea looked much better after this change with Kovacic’s ability on the ball and direct style of play.
