Tammy Abraham and N’Golo Kante impressed as Chelsea picked up three points against Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday.
Chelsea extended their unbeaten run across all competitions to nine games as they defeated Newcastle United 2-0 at St. James’ Park in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
The Blues controlled the proceedings from the get-go and the opening goal came just ten minutes in when Federico Fernandez turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Ben Chilwell inside the box. Chelsea continued to open up the hosts’ defence and could have stretched their lead if not for a couple of good saves from Karl Darlow and some poor finishing from Timo Werner.
Newcastle did have their moments with Allan Saint-Maximin threatening but Chelsea held firm and continued to push in search of the second, which finally came in the 65th minute when Tammy Abraham finished past Darlow after an unselfish pass from Werner.
There was no late drama as Chelsea held on for the win and three points, moving to the top of the table, even though if it was only for a few hours as Tottenham beat Manchester City later in the day to claim the top spot. Here’s how we rated the performances of Frank Lampard’s men on the day.
Edouard Mendy: 6/10
No goalkeeper has kept more clean sheets in the Premier League this season than Edouard Mendy [4].
He has only played 5 games. ? pic.twitter.com/QnA49D6kIE
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 21, 2020
A quiet day in the office for the Senegalese international who was hardly called into action by a toothless Newcastle United attack. Did stay alert to get his hands on a speculative effort from Miguel Almiron in the second half. An easy clean-sheet for Chelsea’s new no.1
Reece James: 7/10
Had the task of keeping the tricky Allan Saint-Maximin quiet, which he managed to do to a large extent. At the same time, provided a constant outlet down the right flank and delivered quite a few crosses into the box that caused the hosts a problem.
Kurt Zouma: 7/10
Another assured display from the Frenchman, who wasn’t affected by the absence of regular defensive partner Thiago Silva on the day. Dealt comfortably with the physical threat of Joelinton and was a force in the air. The only misstep came in the first period when he allowed Saint-Maximin to cut inside take a shot. Completed the most number of passes in the game (102).
Kurt Zouma has made more successful passes, more clearances and won more aerial duels than any other Chelsea player in the Premier League this season.
What a season he's having. pic.twitter.com/1FkndxeFXM
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 21, 2020
Antonio Rudiger: 7/10
Making his first Premier League start of the season, the German international kept it simple at the back and didn’t do much wrong against the Magpies. Bailed his partner out with a crucial block to send Saint-Maximin’s effort over. Did well to put off Andy Carroll from striking at goal late in the game.
Ben Chilwell: 7/10
The England international recovered from his back issue to start on Saturday and justified his selection with another impressive display. Got into dangerous positions in the final third and it was his presence that put Fernandez under pressure leading to the own goal.
Mateo Kovacic: 7/10
Preferred over Jorginho in the starting XI once again, Kovacic put in another solid shift in the centre of the park. Pushed forward and broke the lines to put the hosts’ backline under pressure while tracking back effectively when needed. Completed two dribbles and made three key passes – joint-highest on the day, while misplacing just four of his 72 attempted passes.
N’Golo Kante: 8/10
N'Golo Kante vs Newcastle United (A):
87 touches
67 accurate passes (89.3% accuracy)
4/5 long balls completed
4/7 ground duels won
4 tackles
3 interceptions
2 clearancesBack to his best. ? pic.twitter.com/gwRNxUJv3m
— ExpectedChelsea (@ExpectedChelsea) November 21, 2020
Looks so good playing in his preferred holding midfield role. The stand-in captain for Chelsea swept up everything that came his way, barely letting Newcastle threaten the penalty box. Attempted (6) and won the most number of tackles (4), made the most number of interceptions (3), along with making three clearances and a key pass. May not get noticed all the time but so so crucial for this Chelsea side.
Mason Mount: 7.5/10
A lively display from the England international who buzzed in and around the Newcastle box with great intent. Linked up impressively with his teammates and created the first goal with a dangerous cross that Fernandez turned into his own net. Could have scored one himself but scuffed his effort some neat ball control and a great turn in the second half. Made three key passes.
Mason Mount’s game by numbers vs. Newcastle United:
92% pass accuracy
34 final third passes
4 ball recoveries
3 chances created
2 tackles won
2 fouls won
2 shotsThere’s a reason every manager seems to love him. ? pic.twitter.com/bJ4uNXsOOy
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 21, 2020
Hakim Ziyech: 7/10
A quiet outing for the Chelsea new boy compared to his starring display against Sheffield United last time out. Ziyech was still involved in a number of bright moments for the Blues, setting Abraham up for a chance in the first half with a teasing cross and creating another chance in the game. Worked hard off the ball as well, making one tackle and three interceptions.
Tammy Abraham: 8/10
A fine performance from the Chelsea academy product who is making the most of the chances that are coming his way in Christian Pulisic’s absence. Led the line with purpose, displaying some strong hold-up play and sharp link-up with his teammates in the final third.
Tammy Abraham vs. Newcastle:
◉ Joint-most chances created (3)
◉ Most shots (3)
◉ Most shots on target (2)And a goal to his name. ? pic.twitter.com/UFeCsZVTor
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 21, 2020
Unlucky to see his header tipped over by Karl Darlow in the first period and could have had an assist not long after, but Werner failed to convert. Got the goal his performance deserved in the second period.
Timo Werner: 7/10
The German international ran the Newcastle defence ragged each time he was on the ball on Saturday. Forced a fine save from Darlow early in the first half and then scuffed a great chance to make it 2-0. Should have shot at goal from close range in the second period but tried to square the ball to a teammate and failed.
A brilliant run and unselfish play to set Abraham for the second goal. Werner was a major threat for the Magpies’ backline but his wasteful finishing sees him get a point docked.
Timo Werner has been directly involved in 6 goals [4G 2A] in his last 5 Premier League appearances.
Turbo. ? pic.twitter.com/jHNCBm3sIe
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 21, 2020
Substitutes
Callum Hudson-Odoi: 6/10
Came on for Werner for the final fifteen minutes. Made a couple of good runs forward.
Emerson Palmieri: N/A
Replaced Chilwell with less than ten minutes left.
Olivier Giroud: N/A
Late substitute for Ziyech.
