Chelsea had to toil long and hard before continuing their perfect start to the season, as they beat Newcastle United 2-1 at St. James’ Park on Sunday.
The Blues, who dominated possession throughout the game, found it hard to break down a resolute Newcastle backline for the most part. The breakthrough finall came when the referee awarded a contentious penalty to Chelsea, which was duly converted by Eden Hazard.
Newcastle then levelled things up in the 83rd minute, although Joselu’s goal shouldn’t have stood after a foul by DeAndre Yedlin on Olivier Giroud in the buildup. But, Maurizio Sarri’s men clinched the tie when Alonso’s shot was turned into his own net by Yedlin, which the Chelsea fans felt was deserving after the US international’s blatant foul not too long ago.
Yedlin with an own-goal right after elbowing Giroud in the face. God punishing him for trying to destroy Giroud’s handsome face. Karma is real.
— Zito (@_Zeets) August 26, 2018
Yedlin elbowing Giroud, setting up a goal and scoring an own goal in the space of 3 minutes there, can tell he was Spurs
— Billie (@Billie_T) August 26, 2018
Yedlin own goal after elbowing Giroud to get the undeserved equalizer. HAHA
— ¹⁰ (@ClinicaIEden) August 26, 2018
2-1 GOAAAAALLLL. YEDLIN OWN GOAL
Deserved for that dirty elbow on Giroud.
Justice.— Ayden (@AddictedToCFC) August 26, 2018
83′: DeAndre Yedlin elbows Olivier Giroud and gives an assist to Joselu
87′: DeAndre Yedlin scores an own goal.
Isn’t Karma wonderful??#NEWCHE pic.twitter.com/PviUP8Y8CY
— D O E (@okiTwiTs) August 26, 2018
Deandre Yedlin giveth and Deandre Yedlin taketh away
— Phil Baki (@bakiBalboa) August 26, 2018
Giroud to Yedlin right now #karma pic.twitter.com/hXZty7U7Sq
— Krötch Lickmęov (@Discipline98) August 26, 2018
Meanwhile, Chelsea fans were quick to point out Jorginho’s domination in the match, with the summer signing making more passes than the entire Newcastle side.
Most passes completed in a single game in Premier League history:
? İlkay Gündoğan: 167 vs. Chelsea (2017/18)
? Fernandinho: 164 vs. Everton (2017/18)
? Jorginho: 158 vs. Newcastle (2018/19)3 games and already in the top 3.
The pass master. #CFC pic.twitter.com/OHqA4fm3nV
— ⒹⓎⓁ (@ChelseaDyl) August 26, 2018
Jorginho was one pass off breaking Gundogan’s Premier League passing record that he set last season. 174 passes for Gundogan, 173 passes today from Jorginho. #cfc #newche
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) August 26, 2018
Jorginho’s first half vs Newcastle
Recital ?? pic.twitter.com/qhDBEIhygc
— Ilyes (@Rashgod_) August 26, 2018
Jorginho completed more passes today than Newcastle United did.
Jorginho: 158 passes completed
Newcastle: 131 passes completed
The magician. pic.twitter.com/1hWtls7p2e
— Uber Chelsea FC ? (@UberCheIseaFC) August 26, 2018
Jorginho will eventually break the all time record for passes completed in one game.
Record: 167
Jorginho vs Newcastle: 158Maestro.
— َ (@HazardEdition) August 26, 2018
Jorginho | The Cog that Sarri’s Chelsea need #playmaker pic.twitter.com/OGQ48o5KW8
— ⚽ Touchtight Coach (@touchtightcoach) August 23, 2018
Jorginho vs Newcastle United:
• 173 attempted
• 158 completed
• 91.3% accuracyNewcastle completed 131.
Engine. ? pic.twitter.com/zSS7bjHAIP
— iChelseaTweets (@iChelseaTweets) August 26, 2018
Fans were also pleased to see Eden Hazard open his goalscoring tally for the season, after a solid performance against Newcastle.
Eden Hazard in 133 minutes in Premier League:
1 Goal
2 Assists???#CFC #NEWCHE pic.twitter.com/pgITtSLHeZ
— The Blues (@TheBlues___) August 26, 2018
Eden Hazard MOTM. Name me a better duo. pic.twitter.com/lVXxQbwner
— ¹⁰ (@ClinicaIEden) August 26, 2018
Eden Hazard vs Newcastle! #NEWCHE #CFC
96 Minutes Played
1 Goal
90% Passing Accuracy
91 Passes
5 Fouls Drawn
5 Shots
5 CrossesMan of the Match ? pic.twitter.com/N4ojeHcb94
— CFC-Blues.com (@CFCBlues_com) August 26, 2018