Chelsea 5-1 Newcastle: Five Talking Points
Guus Hiddink recorded his first league victory at Stamford Bridge since his return as five-star Chelsea continued their resurgence with a thumping victory over Newcastle. Speaking pre-match, Steve McLaren described the first twenty minutes of the game as very crucial. The message, however, was lost on his players who conceded three goals within the first 17 minutes.Costa opened the scoring after a sublime pass by Willian before Pedro pounced on a loose Rolando Aarons pass to sprint past Janmaat and double Chelsea’s lead. Costa then returned the favour to Willian, reaching Fabregas’ delightful ball. Chelsea could have further extended the lead with Ivanovic and Pedro seeing goal-bound efforts blocked in the first half. After the restart, Chelsea picked up from where they left off as Pedro latched on to a brilliant Fabregas long ball to score his second. Bertrand Traore rounded off the scoring after pouncing onto a superb Azpilicueta cross. Eden Hazard did not score or assist but came close at the end when he latched onto another Fabregas long ball before fluffing his lines. Townsend completed the scoring with a consolation in stoppage time.Despite the positive result, John Terry had to leave the field in the first half after a clash with Mitrovic and is doubtful for the crucial midweek clash against PSG.
#1 Chelsea\'s attackers back in form
This was more like the Chelsea of 2014/15. Clinical, ruthless, efficient and enjoyable to watch. The Blues pressed forward and constantly opened up the Magpies defence at will, finding time and space all over the pitch.
Diego Costa continued his resurgence with his 8th goal in 10 games under Guus Hiddink. The Brazilian-born forward clearly has found his mojo, constantly troubling centre-backs with his movement and presence.
Costa made a fine run past Steven Taylor to loop the ball past Elliot for Chelsea’s first goal. He then made an interception, passed the ball to Fabregas before outpacing Coloccini to the return ball and then set up Willian for the third goal with a brilliant pass.
He has returned to form at just the right time as Chelsea look towards mounting an assault at two cup competitions.
Costa’s partner-in-crime, Cesc Fabregas, has also rediscovered his old self as he put in another powerhouse performance in the middle of the park. Always available in possession, the Spaniard continued his habit of making inch-perfect long balls look ridiculously easy.
Fabregas’ ability to dictate the game was what he was signed for and this was no exception.
Willian was outstanding as always, the Brazilian international has been a real revelation this season as he has finally added an end product to his game. Eden Hazard had his usual fancy flicks and passing range, but he took a back seat in his game and was content to let others dictate play.
It was a decent performance but he is still nowhere near what he is capable of, yet. Pedro, despite a few iffy moments, showed his worth as well with two goals alongside a tremendous work rate.
Pedro is a goal scorer, and apart from Costa, there don’t seem to be many of those currently in the Chelsea team. Indeed, despite his lack of confidence recently, Pedro took his two goals like a pro. He arguably deserves to start over Hazard against PSG midweek.