Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle United - 3 Reasons Why Chelsea registered a hard-fought victory against the Magpies | Premier League 2019/20

Chelsea FC v Newcastle United - Premier League
Chelsea FC v Newcastle United - Premier League

#3 Mateo Kovacic's introduction proved to be vital

Ad
Chelsea FC v Liverpool FC - Premier League
Chelsea FC v Liverpool FC - Premier League

In N'Golo Kante's absence, Ross Barkley was chosen to partner Jorignho in the centre of the park and the Englishman failed to make an impression on the game.

Ad

Newcastle defended resolutely in the first half and the Blues were unable to find a breakthrough despite dominating possession, which promoted Frank Lampard to make a change.

Barkley, who was struggling with a knock, was withdrawn shortly before the half-time whistle in favour of Mateo Kovacic and the Croatian international was one of the standout players since coming on.

His presence alongside Jorginho buoyed Chelsea on in the second half and gave their attackers the freedom to burst forward without having to worry about their defensive duties.

Ad

In a game that was decided by the finest of margins, Kovacic's introduction proved to be instrumental as Chelsea began to dominate proceedings and looked threatening in the second half.

Lampard's substitution, although enforced, did the trick for Chelsea as they registered their fifth consecutive win in all competitions.

Quick Links

Edited by Kingshuk Kusari
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications