Newcastle 1-2 Chelsea: Hits and flops from the game

Newcastle United v Chelsea FC - Premier League
The Blues won a game at St. James' Park after four defeats and a draw

Chelsea pipped Newcastle United 2-1 to maintain their 100% record in the league and stay should-to-shoulder with the likes of Liverpool and Watford in the league ladder. There weren't too many openings in the game, but the final 10 minutes produced some action.

As envisioned by most of the pundits and observers, Chelsea dominated in almost every aspect of the game. Their first-half was summed up with over 425 passes and 78% possession. In contrast, the Magpies only laboured 120 passes together.

Apart from a wide header from Rondon and a sweetly-timed volley from Azpilicueta that ricochet off Morata, there was no major opening in the game for either side.

The second-half got more frustrating for the Blues, who saw almost 90% of the ball. A slice of fortune then helped Newcastle as the frame of the goal denied a venomous long-range effort from Rudiger.

Marcos Alonso then won a penalty that was accurately dispatched by Eden Hazard, who finally rewarded his team's utter dominance with a goal.

The game sprung into life as Joselu provided an unlikely equalizer, which was controversial. DeAndre Yedlin then passed the ball back into his own net to give the visitors the lead. This fortuitous goal was enough for Maurizio Sarri to go back to West London with all three points.

Here are 5 players who experienced mixed outings at St. James' Park:

#5 Best: Jorginho

Newcastle United v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Jorginho dominated proceedings

Jorginho was in the middle of every single passage of play Chelsea had. He did what he does best - sprayed passes all over the pitch, attempted more of 5-6 yard passes, kept it together and tried to create spaces between the opposition's back line.

Defensively, he as lively and sharp. He contributed with tackles and interceptions whilst winning back possession. In addition, he also kept track of any potential counter-attack. In the entirety of the match, the Brazil-born Italian completed over 150 passes.

The Blues were made to work hard for their chances and instead of trying to take long range shots, they went for a patient game instead. In the same process, Jorginho proved to be the heartbeat of the team.

#4 Worst: Sung-yueng Ki

Newcastle United v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Ki could have offered more in attack

Ki, just like any other teammate, put in the defensive shift for almost all 90 minutes. He was a part of the four-man midfield that stood right in front of the five-man defence. The South Korean captain worked hard, blocked shots, covered gaps and closed down players, but struggled to add sharpness to his game.

He managed to cover spaces, but didn't win the ball back enough. Also, his challenges were feeble, to say the least. He couldn't quite put a foothold in the match. Neither did he support the attack, nor did he feed Rondon enough.

Newcastle enjoyed less than 20% of possession, but despite their competitive, fighting display, many would argue that they should have taken the attack to the opposition a bit more. Ki was one of the main reasons for their failure.

#3 Best: Salomon Rondon

Newcastle United v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Rondon out-muscled the Chelsea players

Right from the very first minute, it was clear that Newcastle would sit deep and low, defend for 90 minutes and frustrate Chelsea by taking the game deeper. The game plan was set - to knock long balls and through balls in Rondon's path. The forward was then supposed to hold the ball up, use his strength to buy time for the midfielders and then occupy the box.

Well, he did most of it quite well. Despite being isolated for most part of the game, the striker never stopped working hard or running. Every time he picked up the ball, there was a sense of hunger and desire to keep possession.

He also proved to be stronger than the likes of Luiz and Kante on occasions and got the Newcastle crowd on their feet by heading an effort wide off goal.

#2 Worst: David Luiz

Newcastle United v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Should have cleared that with aplomb

David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger were rather untested at the back for most part of the game. However, the difference between their performances was that the latter stood up to the task and replied authoritatively whenever called upon, while Luiz didn't do the same.

Luiz was the worst player of this fixture only because Joselu's goal was completely his fault. When Giroud was not given a free-kick for an apparent raise of elbow by Yedlin, the defender stood static instead of playing for the referee's whistle.

The cross was then whipped in and Luiz was favourite to get there as it was straight to his path. But unfortunately for him and Chelsea, Joselu, who was a good six yards behind the Brazilian, ended up winning the header and burying it into Kepa's goal.

Luiz completely switched off, which is quite unprofessional.

#1 Best: Eden Hazard

Newcastle United v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Hazard was almost unplayable at times

Wasn't he unstoppable?

The Belgian skipper seems to be getting better by the day. Initially, he was marked by over four black and white shirts, but the 27-year-old still found a way out to dictate play, create chances and keep everything moving smoothly. He also dropped deep to take the ball and carry it forward.

He was everywhere. Starting from his movement, Hazard occupied and exploited every single blade of grass in the final third. Given the license to roam around, the little magician linked up play with the likes of Kovacic, Alonso, Azpilicueta and Pedro.

He also provided a few tricks and flicks to enhance his team's chances of breaking through a resolute defence. Also to add, Hazard won a number of fouls, got his shots away and completed take-ons.

He scored his penalty emphatically too, illustrating his confidence while placing it to near perfection. He could do no wrong, and there is nothing this man cannot do. Take a bow, Eden Hazard.

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Edited by Kishan Prasad