Chelsea 3-0 Newcastle United: Player Ratings 

Comfortable victory in the end
Comfortable victory in the end

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

Rag
Rafa Benitez's Newcastle could do little to stop Chelsea

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

Chelsea v Newcastle United - The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round
Jonjo Shelvey was Newcastle's best player on the pitch

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.

Chelsea

Chelsea v Newcastle United - The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round
Willy Caballero made important saves in the 1st half

Willy Caballero - 8/10

Caballero is turning to be a great backup keeper to Thibaut Courtois. He was on his feet in the 1st half with some good saves to deny the visitors from getting on the scoreboard. Notably, he had a quiet 2nd half.

Antonio Rudiger - 7/10

The German was solid throughout the game. He had a chance to score, but saw the ball go just wide of the post.

Andreas Christensen - 8/10

A great came from the Chelsea youngster. Was great at the back and looked calmed and composed in the game. Could certainly be a future captain in making.

Gary Cahill - 7/10

Looked good throughout the game, barring a couple of rusty moments, although he looked comfortable coming back from an injury.

Davide Zappacosta - 7/10

He looked like a threat while going forward but has to work on his crossing. A mistake from him almost allowed Newcastle to put a foot into the game.

Danny Drinkwater - 5/10

Not the best afternoon for the former Leicester player. His first touch was poor and he was slow in the game. Was also caught off the ball a couple of times.

N'Golo Kante - 6/10

A decent game for the French international. He didn't have much to do and was relatively quiet while on the pitch.

Marcos Alonso - 8/10

A
Alonso's spectacular free-kick sealed the win for Chelsea

Another great game for Alonso. The Spaniard was solid in defence, and his freekicks just keep getting better with time.

Pedro - 7/10

He played a crucial part in the opening goal for Chelsea. His long cross that found Eden Hazard laid the foundation for it. However, he was sloppy at times when on the run with the ball.

Michy Batshuayi - 8/10

2 crucial goals for the Belgian. He looked more confident but he can still work on his overall game if he is to stake a claim for a regular starting spot

Eden Hazard - 8/10

Ha
Hazard was an absolute livewire on the night

The Belgian was involved in the first two goals for the Blues. Newcastle tried to keep him quiet, but considering the quality he possesses, he was still able to influence the game.

Substitutes:

Ethan Ampadu - 6/10

Bought on for Kante in the 78th minute, his passing seemed nice and almost picked up an assist with a wonderful defence-splitting pass, that Pedro failed to convert.

Ross Barkley - 5/10

The Englishman was brought on with fewer than 20 minutes to go. He was sent out to play more in the attacking role but didn't get much of the ball.

Callum Hudson-Odoi - N/A

Came on in the last 10 minutes for Pedro, and looked comfortable with the ball. However, he didn't have enough time to influence the game.

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