Chelsea 3-1 Newcastle United: Player Ratings
Two goals from Eden Hazard helped Chelsea to a 3-1 victory over Newcastle at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
Dwight Gayle broke the deadlock, giving the Magpies an early lead. Hazard levelled the scoring shortly afterwards, taking full advantage after Florian Lejuene's clearance fell into the Belgian's path.
Álvaro Morata then edged the defending champions ahead with a close-range header, before Hazard completed his brace from the penalty spot with a Panenka.
Here's how the players rated from an interesting affair in west London:
Chelsea
Thibaut Courtois - 6/10
Courtois could do nothing to stop Gayle's opener, having done his utmost to win the loose ball. However, he did look nervous upon occasion - especially when he nearly gave a goal away in stoppage time. Despite this, he commanded his box well as usual and did not have many saves to make.
Cesar Azpilicueta - 8/10
Returning to the team after a much-deserved rest in midweek, Azpilicueta was tremendous both with and without the ball. His crossing from deep caused real panic in the Newcastle defence, while his positioning at the back was typically excellent.
Andreas Christensen - 7/10
Christensen has slotted into the Chelsea backline with ease, showing a maturity and assuredness that defies his tender years. His passing was tidy and he read the game well to keep Newcastle quiet after Gayle's goal.
Antonio Rudiger - 7/10
Rudiger looked a little shaky early on when playing out from the back, with Newcastle having some success when squeezing the play high up the pitch. He recovered well thereafter though and was solid defensively.
Victor Moses - 7/10
Moses' pace and athleticism gives him an edge over Davide Zappacosta at right wing-back, which he again proved on this occasion. The Nigerian caused problems for Matt Richie all afternoon, created the assist for Morata's strike and also won the penalty from which Hazard finished the game off with.
Cesc Fabregas - 8/10
Fabregas made some magnificent passes on Saturday, including an incredible lofted ball to Eden Hazard in the first half and a slide-rule pass to Victor Moses for the penalty. He remains among the best distributors in the Premier League.
N'Golo Kante - 7/10
Kante's importance to Chelsea cannot be overstated, and his energy and mobility was integral to the Blues' victory. The Frenchman made three interceptions and also played some fine passes in the middle of the park.
Danny Drinkwater - 7/10
This was a promising showing from Drinkwater, whose enthusiasm and high-pressing style helped the Blues gain control in midfield. He also looked to push forward and combine with Hazard and Morata, while also setting up a great chance for the former after the interval.
Marcos Alonso - 6/10
Alonso had a quiet afternoon in an attacking sense, although his provision of width on the left was vital to Chelsea's dominance. Jacob Murphy made runs in behind him in the second-half but the Spaniard generally recovered well, although he could have done better when trying to clear the ball prior to Dwight Gayle's goal.
Eden Hazard - 9/10
A near perfect performance from Hazard, who dazzled in a free role. Afforded the license to drift across the final third, the Belgian caused problems with his movement, passing and elusive dribbling. He also scored twice to take his tally for the season to five.
Álvaro Morata - 8/10
Morata scored yet another headed goal, turning home Victor Moses' cross from close-range. The Spaniard linked up well with Hazard throughout and also worked hard to press Newcastle's defenders out of possession.
Substitutes:-
Willian - 6/10
The Brazilian added an injection of speed and directness at the top of the pitch, but he did not really have enough time to make a significant impact.
Tiemoue Bakayoko - 6/10
Bakayoko kept Chelsea ticking over in the centre of the park, although he may be concerned that Danny Drinkwater has now seemingly overtaken him in the pecking order.
Gary Cahill - N/A
Introduced in the closing stages to help Chelsea see the game out.