Chelsea 3-0 Newcastle United: Player Ratings
Final score: Chelsea 3-0 Newcastle United
Goalscorers: Michy Batshuayi 31', 44' (Chelsea), Marcos Alonso 72' (Chelsea)
Despite a slow start from Chelsea, the Blues managed to comfortably beat Newcastle, progressing into the fifth round of the FA Cup in the process.
The hosts had a point to prove after their defeat to London rivals Arsenal during their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg earlier this week. They looked much more in control when Michy Batshuayi broke the deadlock just after the half-hour mark, before doubling the lead on the stroke of half-time.
Newcastle never looked like getting themselves back into the game and Marcos Alonso's well-taken free-kick strike added further insult to injury during a routine home victory.
Here are the player ratings for both sides from Chelsea's FA Cup win:
Newcastle United
Karl Darlow - 6/10
Karl could not do much in truth, other than picking the ball out of his net. Alonso's free-kick was too good to save, while the second strike took a wicked deflection. Made a great stop to deny the Spaniard earlier on, though.
Javier Manquillo - 4/10
It was a poor game from the fullback, who was up against Alonso and allowed himself to be beaten far too easily on a regular basis.
Chancel Mbemba - 4/10
He tried to stop Eden Hazard from playing his natural free-flowing game, but struggled to do so effectively. He was clumsy in possession at times, it was far from his best performance.
Jamaal Lascelles - 5/10
A slight improvement on his centre-back partner, Lascelles was also often left exposed in defence and will have been disappointed with his involvement for Chelsea's first goal.
Ciaran Clark - 3/10
Probably Newcastle's worst performer on the pitch. He provided no confidence to his team-mates and was often caught out of position.
Massadio Haïdara - 5/10
He went forward well but had a difficult afternoon dealing with Davide Zappacosta. That being said, he could have done better.
Jonjo Shelvey - 6.5/10
Newcastle's best player on a forgettable afternoon. Tried his best to get forward with some fine passing, while also coming close to scoring what would have been only a consolation for Rafa Benitez's men.
Henri Saivet - 4/10
Lost the ball in poor areas, which proved pivotal in the build-up to both, Chelsea's second and third goals. Did not provide any sort of physical presence in midfield, where he usually comes out on top.
Isaac Hayden - 4/10
The former Arsenal man never really got himself involved in the game, and only seemed to be going through the motions than anything else.
Matt Ritchie - 5/10
In contrast, the winger got himself into promising areas but failed to capitalise on half-chances in the final third.
Dwight Gayle - 5/10
Without adequate service, the forward failed to test Willy Caballero throughout the game and looked short of confidence going forward on a frustrating afternoon
Substitutes:
Christian Atsu - N/A
A late substitute, was not on for long enough to make a significant impact.
Jacob Murphy - N/A
Also came on in the later stages of the game, and again, could not make an impact.
Joselu - 4/10
Came on with about half an hour to go, and struggled to get himself into the game.