COLE PALMER was the star of the show as Chelsea claimed all three points against Newcastle.
The Blues took the lead at Stamford Bridge in the sixth minute thanks to a wonderful Nicolas Jackson flick from Palmer’s initial low drive.
However, Mauricio Pochettino’s side looked sluggish after scoring once again, allowing Newcastle to dominate for large parts.
Alexander Isak’s beautiful finesse finish from the edge of the box levelled the scores just before the break.
But it was starboy Palmer who stood up once again, and struck a left-footed effort inside the near post to pick up his 19th goal contribution of the season.
Mykhailo Mudryk then showed excellent skill and composure to pile more misery on Eddie Howe’s side, as he rounded Martin Dubravka and slotted home.
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Jacob Murphy scored a stunner in the 90th minute, but it turned out to be just a consolation for the Magpies, who went home empty-handed.
Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Chelsea players…
DJORDJE PETROVIC – 6/10
Showed excellent composure on the ball and more quality than we have seen in recent weeks, often came out well and closed down attackers, commanding his area well.
However, there was no stopping Alexander Isak’s excellently placed finish into the bottom right corner, nor Jacob Murphy’s consolation stunner.
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MARC CUCURELLA – 6
The 25-year-old stepped into tackles brilliantly and looked comfortable going backwards and forward, although the Spaniard was fortunate not to be booked.
A solid return to the side after a spell on the sidelines.
TREVOH CHALOBAH – 6
Shouts of ‘Trevoh Baresi’ were coming from the press box tonight, that was until he was caught out of position, lunging in for a tackle that was missed, allowing Isak to level the scoring.
Looked a little rusty coming back from a lengthy injury, but ultimately it was a decent showing.
AXEL DISASI – 7
The Frenchman was strong at the back on his 26th birthday and didn’t make any real mistakes, but failed to keep a clean sheet.
Was very good on the ball, particularly when playing out from the back.
MALO GUSTO – 8
Brilliant on the ball for large parts of the game, but was caught in possession for Newcastle’s equaliser.
Looked a threat going forwards and strong defensively as per usual.
ENZO FERNANDEZ – 6
Showed good moments passing-wise, and played a very neat ball into Cole Palmer who did the rest of the work to get him his first assist of the season.
Reminiscent of a more mobile Jorginho in his regista role today, who Chelsea let go for just £12million…
MOISES CAICEDO – 7
Gave Chelsea’s midfield some snarl and bite, which was definitely needed. Broke up play well but was not at his best on the ball.
Improved massively in the second half with some good professional fouls which saw him booked.
CONOR GALLAGHER – 7
So lively yet again in the No10 role. Tenacious in the tackles which were roared like a goal and drove his team on with relentless pressing and energy, a real captain’s performance.
COLE PALMER – 9
His weak-footed effort on goal was flicked in beautifully to give him his eighth assist of the season, and he continued to be a danger in the second half.
His strong-footed strike left Martin Dubravka in awe, and the rest of Stamford Bridge at that.
His 19 goals and assists in the league this season takes him ahead of Arjen Robben to give him the most goal contributions in a season by a player younger than 21 for Chelsea.
RAHEEM STERLING – 5
Failed to make a huge impact on the game in the ways in which we know Raheem Sterling can.
Was booked for a late challenge on former Chelsea academy player of the year Tino Livramento, who gave him a tough night on the left-hand side.
Should’ve squared the ball to Palmer when the scores were level, but opted to go round the keeper and failed to score.
NICOLAS JACKSON – 8
Started very brightly with a gorgeous backheel flick to put the Blues into the lead following a Palmer shot on goal, which made it nine for him this season.
It could have been ten, as he had a goal ruled out for offside.
Worked tirelessly throughout the game and showed excellent on-the-ball ability. Unpolished, but better.
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MYKHAILO MUDRYK (FOR STERLING, 71) – 8
Scored the pick of the bunch just five minutes after coming on, and instantly looked more dangerous than Sterling.
His goal was a flash of the kind of quality you get when you pay big bucks.
CESARE CASADEI (FOR PALMER, 86) – 6
Didn’t have much time to make an impact, but looked strong in the air and composed on the ball when he got it.
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CARNEY CHUKWUEMEKA (FOR JACKSON, 90) – 6
Like Casadei, not a lot of time to make a difference.
Played a nice ball into Mudryk and held it up well when required in the false nine role.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
