Timo Werner was the star of the show as Chelsea beat Newcastle United 2-0 in the Premier League on Monday to continue their unbeaten run under Thomas Tuchel.
Chelsea looked in control from the kick-off and had an early effort from Marcos Alonso saved by Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow. The Blues had a few more chances which weren’t taken but the deadlock was finally broken in the 31st minute as Olivier Giroud fired the ball into the back of the net after some brilliant work by Timo Werner on the left.
The German international then brought an end to his long-running goal drought in the Premier League when he poked the ball home from just a few yards out after a fine delivery by Mason Mount in the 39th minute. It was more of the same in the second half, although Chelsea weren’t able to add to their scoreline.
Newcastle United hardly posed a threat going forward apart from one effort from Joe Willock which was saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga as Thomas Tuchel’s men held on for a comfortable win, moving into fourth place in the table, in the process.
Here’s how we rated the performances of the Chelsea stars at Stamford Bridge on Monday.
Kepa Arrizabalaga: 6.5/10
Handed a surprise start in the league ahead of Edouard Mendy, the Spaniard showed some signs of nerves early in the game. However, grew confident with time and was alert to keep out Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Willock in the second half.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 7/10
Not tested a great deal defensively, apart from one or two occasions when Allan Saint-Maximin looked to run at him. Stayed solid at the back, carried the ball out effectively and wasn’t afraid to push forward and link up with Callum Hudson-Odoi in the right side channel.
Cesar Azpilicueta for Chelsea vs. Newcastle:
◉ Most tackles (5)
◉= Most clearances (4)
◉= Most interceptions (2)A captains performance. ©️ pic.twitter.com/EY7W4s5I5x
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 15, 2021
Andreas Christensen: 7/10
Passed fit to start after coming off with an issue against Barnsley last time out, the Dane was assured at the back as he hardly allowed Dwight Gayle a sniff at the Chelsea goal on the night. Strong in the air, used the ball well. Positive.
Antonio Rudiger: 7/10
Like the rest of his defensive partners, Rudiger looked comfortable at the back against Newcastle dealing with their crosses and long balls effectively. Continues his resurgent run under the new manager.
Callum Hudson-Odoi: 7/10
Another energetic display, full of purpose from the academy product. Constantly causing problems as he looked to stretch the Newcastle defence with his forward forays. The end product wasn’t always there but still caused problems while staying responsible defensively.
Mateo Kovacic: 8/10
Mateo Kovacic’s game by numbers vs. Newcastle
96% pass accuracy (87/91)
108 touches (most)
11 duels won (most)
9 final third entries
8 take-ons (most)
6 ball recoveries
4 penalty area entries
3 tackles
2 chances created
2 shotsSuperb this evening. pic.twitter.com/Qs1A1UIMyA
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 15, 2021
Reinstated to the side after not starting in the cup tie against Barnsley, Kovacic put in an all-action display as he constantly drove Chelsea forward when on the ball creating a couple of chances for his teammates as Newcastle struggled to deal with his runs from midfield. Did his bit when not in possession as well. Has swiftly grown into an undroppable under Tuchel.
Jorginho: 7/10
Another player making his return after sitting out the cup game, the Italian went about his job in typically composed fashion, keeping things ticking in the middle of the park while cutting out any potential threat on the counter. Solid if not spectacular.
Marcos Alonso: 7/10
The Spaniard’s resurgence continues under Tuchel as he enjoyed another impressive outing. Spent almost the entire game holed up in the Newcastle half, linking up effectively with the likes of Werner and Mount. Also had a shot saved early in the game.
Mason Mount: 7/10
Mason Mount created more chances than any other player in the first half (4).
Twice as many as the entire Newcastle side. pic.twitter.com/RUivEkgVDy
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 15, 2021
Given a free role in the final third, the England international caused all sorts of problems with his movement and intelligent link-up play. Constantly played in dangerous deliveries into the box, one of which led to Werner’s goal in the first period. Made a game-high five key passes before being subbed off.
Tammy Abraham: N/A
Handed another start after his match-winning display against Barnsley, Abraham’s outing came to a premature end just 20 minutes in after he picked up an injury following a tackle from Jamaal Lascelles.
Timo Werner: 8/10
Looked like he meant business from the word go as he drove at the Newcastle defence with purpose. Made a darting run before producing a dangerous cutback which eventually fell to Giroud, leading to Chelsea’s opening goal. Had a shot saved by Darlow not long after, but was at hand to divert Mount’s delivery and score his first Premier League goal since November. Confidence-boosting display.
Giroud scores on his 100th substitute appearance in the Premier League ✅
Werner scores his first PL goal in 100 days ✅
— Goal (@goal) February 15, 2021
SUBSTITUTES
Olivier Giroud: 7/10
On for the injured Abraham midway through the first half. Got Chelsea up and running with a good strike after Darlow had parried Werner’s cutback straight to his feet. As always, his hold-up play at the top was on point, helping bring the others around him into the game.
N’Golo Kante: 6.5/10
Replaced Mount in the 70th minute. Added energy to the midfield and ensured Chelsea saw off the game without any hiccup.
Reece James: N/A
Came on for Hudson-Odoi with a little over ten minutes left. Had a low effort denied by Darlow.
