Newcastle United 0-2 Chelsea: 5 talking points as the Blues cruised to a victory | Premier League 2020-21
Newcastle United hosted Chelsea as the Premier League returned to action this weekend after the international break. The Blues visited St. James' Park on an 11-game unbeaten streak as they looked to continue their good run, whereas, the Magpies hoped to catch the Blues cold after a 2-week break.
Thiago Silva and Christian Pulisic missed out for Chelsea and Callum Wilson missed out for the hosts due to injury.
The Blues started the game brightly as they looked to open the scoring. They dominated possession and pushed Newcastle back into their half. Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech looked dangerous in attack. Karl Darlow was impressive in-goal for the hosts as he made very good saves from Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham.
The visitors were rewarded for their dominance in the most surprising fashion. Mason Mount fired in a cross after a short corner which was turned in for a own-goal by Federico Fernández. The hosts complained about a push from behind on the defender by Ben Chilwell, however, the goal stood after a review.
The Blues should have doubled their lead, but Timo Werner could not shoot on target after some great build-up play. The hosts were able to restrict the rest of the half without conceding again and the sides went into the break with the score 1-0 in the favor of the visitors.
Steve Bruce was forced to make a change at the break due to an injury to captain Jamaal Lascelles. The hosts started the second-half on a positive note as they pushed forward in search of an equalizer, however, the visitors also had their chances on the break.
Timo Werner should have doubled the lead for Chelsea when he was through on goal, however, he chose to pass it across instead of taking a shot which was intercepted by the Magpies defense.
Timo Werner made up for his earlier miss when he ran through the hosts' defense and put Tammy Abraham through on goal to double the lead. The second goal helped the Blues settle and push the Magpies back into their half again.
Chelsea continued to dominate the game without scoring again as another impressive performance sees them go top of the table for some time. However, Newcastle will be disappointed after a toothless performance.
On that note, here are the five major talking points from the game at St. James' Park.
________________________________________________________________
Newcastle United 0-2 Chelsea: 5 talking points
#5. Reece James continues to impress
Reece James has at times been lauded as Chelsea's future by Frank Lampard, however, the right-back was yet to cement his place in the starting eleven coming into this season. The youngster's quality going forward was never in question, however, he was caught defensively at times last season.
The right-back has been highly impressive this season for Chelsea, and, this performance was another comfortable outing for him. He has added defensive nous to his game to complement his quality going forward. The youngster looks to have finally become a permanent fixture in the first eleven in place of captain César Azpilicueta.
The Englishman's chemistry with Hakim Ziyech on the right side is proving to be a big weapon for Chelsea. Frank Lampard will hope that James continues his progression and lives up to his belief in him.
_________________________________________________________________
#4. Callum Wilson's importance
Callum Wilson has been Newcastle's star man since his move from Bournemouth in the summer. The striker has netted 6 goals and assisted 1 in the Premier League. If there were any doubts about his importance to the Magpies then their performance in his absence today must have cleared them.
The hosts were toothless as they lacked a focal point in attack. They struggled to create any meaningful chances and failed to provide the finishing touch required whenever they were able to run at Chelsea's defense on the break.
Steve Bruce will hope the striker is back in action soon. His side looks short of ideas in attack without Wilson leading the line. Newcastle's fortunes this season will depend on Wilson's availability and the Magpies faithful will hope the striker can continue to score goals after coming back from injury.