Chelsea 3-1 Newcastle United: 5 Talking Points

Newcastle United started off very strong in the game but were no match for Chelsea once the hosts took control of the game. Dwight Gayle gave the Magpies the lead in the 12th minute but it lasted just 8 minutes as Eden Hazard equalized at the other end.

Alvaro Morata then scored in the 33rd minute from a vicious cross by the returning Victor Moses to put Chelsea in full command. Hazard then converted from the spot in the 74th minute to seal the game.

Here are the talking points from the game:

#5 Chelsea's best XI?

Courtois in goal, Azpilicueta, Christensen and Rugider in the defence, Moses and Alonso on the flanks, Drinkwater and Kante in the pivot, Fabregas playing right behind Hazard and Morata.

Quite easily the best XI for Antonio Conte to play in this 3-5-2 formation. There is a proper balance between attack & defence and also a lot of creativity from the midfield. The team looks very solid in every aspect and should Conte stick to this XI, the can challenge for the title till the very end.

#4 Same old story for Newcastle United

Chelsea v Newcastle United - Premier League

2 weeks ago, Newcastle United travelled to Old Trafford. They took the lead vs Manchester United but failed to hold on to it. They slumped to a 4-1 loss and the same story, if not the scoreline, repeated today.

The Magpies do well at the start of the game but just don't seem to defend well once the opponents start attacking. After the first goal, Newcastle did not have a proper attempt at goal at all today.

Rafa Benitez needs to work things out or he might soon be heading for the exit with then Magpies going back into the EFL Championship.

#3 Victor Moses is back with a bang!

Chelsea v Newcastle United - Premier League

Victor Moses made his first appearance for Chelsea since returning from his injury. The Nigerian did not take much time to settle in and hit the ground running from the word go.

He ran the show down the right flank and gave Newcastle United's make-shift left back, Matt Ritchie a tough time. He made sure that the Scotland international never opted to play in that position ever again.

Moses first assisted Morata's equalizer and then won the penalty in the 2nd half to seal the game for Chelsea. He made some brilliant crosses and also had couple of good attempts at goal, only to be denied by Karl Darlow.

#2 What next for Rafa Benitez?

Times up?

Newcastle United might be sitting in the 12th place in the Premier League right now but their manager, Rafa Benitez is clearly not in an easy position. The Magpies have not won a game since their 1-0 win vs Crystal Palace on October 21st.

Newcastle have picked up just 3 points from the last 9 Premier League matches – all three coming from draws. The fans are frustrated with the tactics and performances and are desperate for a change.

The off-field issues of takeover and more have only made things worse. If the takeover does not take place in time, the Magpies will not be able to invest in the January transfer window and will be involved in the relegation battle soon.

Going to be very interesting to see what happens first: Rafa's sacking or Newcastle's takeover!

#1 Christensen is the next John Terry

JT 2.0

If anyone had any doubt about Christensen, today's match should have cleared everything for them. The Danish international has been tremendous for The Blues every single time he's played for them and he's showing all the characteristics of John Terry.

The Chelsea legend might not be at the club anymore but Christensen is doing his best to make sure that they do not miss him. What the 21-year-old does on the pitch for the Premier League champions will remind everyone of the 2003/04 version of Terry.

He's brilliant on the ball, confident with it at his feet and jumps in the air without any fear to get the ball before the opponent. Should he continue performing like this, there is nothing that will stop him from becoming a club legend as well.