The Premier League match between Chelsea and Newcastle ended with a score of 2-1, in Chelsea’s favour. Chelsea’s progressive rise seems to be riding on the sensational performances of Cole Palmer. Even though Chelsea’s play wasn’t fully flawless, Enzo Maresca’s squad showed flashes of brilliance, enough to outshine Newcastle who appear to be stuck in a winless rut, destined to be players in mid-table obscurity.
Once again, Palmer showcased his exceptional skills, playing a pivotal role in Nicholas Jackson’s goal in the first half by brilliantly bypassing Nick Pope early in the second half. This action relegated Alexander Isak’s equaliser to just an afterthought. Despite their energetic coach’s desire for a more controlled game, Chelsea clinched victory through powerful bursts of play, unmatched by their rivals.
The first goal by Jackson marked a period in the match where both teams allowed each other enough room to attempt dominance. Nicholas Jackson’s goal was beautifully set up by Palmer’s curved midfield pass, following Pedro Neto’s displacement of Tino Livramento. This resulted in Jackson skilfully seizing the opportunity, with Chelsea content that, this time, fortune was on their side.
Previously, a slight misjudgement had cost them, with Palmer marginally going offside while trying to capitalise on an early pass by Jackson. Palmer’s restrained celebration hinted he was aware of the transgression which, as expected, VAR confirmed.
Despite the harsh autumn sunlight, the game was lively with Newcastle ambitious in their attacks despite Anthony Gordon being sidelined with a groin injury. Although Isak’s equaliser didn’t appear highly likely, Chelsea did show a few weak spots. There were missed opportunities from Newcastle’s Miguel Almirón and a close-range shot by Harvey Barnes, replacing Gordon, which was thwarted by Malo Gusto after an exquisite control by Isak.
A careful, technical progression through the central part of the pitch produced dividends for Newcastle, as an effortlessly smooth play involved Barnes and Lewis Hall in an advantageous overlap. It was on his previous territory that left-back Hall effortlessly delivered a cross that found its way to Isak, who duly dispatched it at waist-height. Following a lengthy VAR check for a suspected offside, it was determined there was no fault in the play. With that, the first goal from Newcastle’s open play since September 21 was noted in the record books.
Despite remaining a considerable threat to Chelsea, Neto’s attempt to dampen celebrations was thwarted by Pope, whose agility prevented the looper from hitting the net. This event created an optimal stage for a leader to arise to address Maresca’s recent leadership dilemma. However, the climax of the half found the Italian earning more attention due to expressing his anger at a series of adverse decisions against his team, which he took out on his seat. By half-time, Newcastle had established a tighter hold on the game, leaving Chelsea, despite their previous exhilarating ball mobility, in search of renewed tactics.
It took Palmer a mere 75 seconds into the second half to provide a fresh approach. Isak’s unsuccessful attempt at possession at halfway saw Roméo Lavia make a small pass that sent his teammates darting into the vast gap between midfield and defence. Palmer is known for his delivery in such scenarios, and he didn’t disappoint, netting a firm, low shot from 15 yards. Pope, however, will regret letting the ball slip past his near post despite the shot’s excellent power.
A rejuvenated Chelsea, sensing an opportunity, witnessed a leaping Neto head Noni Madueke’s deep cross off the outer right post of Pope’s goal. Gusto was granted the freedom to rush across the 18-yard line, but his effort flew embarrassingly off target. At this point, Newcastle were scrambling and fighting, which led to extended discussions between Eddie Howe and his deputy Jason Tindall, whilst Maresca prowled nearby.
Newcastle eventually showed signs of life when Reece James, operating as left-back, headed an Isak cross from under the crossbar. Later, Barnes squandered a counter-attack by getting caught in congestion, and a high, wayward free-kick from Schär soon followed. So it was little shock when Howe decided to switch things up, introducing a trio of substitutions for the final 15 minutes.
Substitution Joe Willock played a crucial role when he set up a goal for Isak, which was subsequently thwarted by James. There was a noticeable shift in Chelsea’s form as their initial fervour seemed to diminish, much to the audience’s dismay, especially due to Robert Sanchez’s ongoing imprecise passes. With quarter of an hour to spare, Sanchez found himself in a vulnerable position when Isak intercepted a pass and bypassed him. In a dilemma to either attempt a solo goal from an unfavourable angle or pass the ball to Sean Longstaff, Isak seemed to lose control. Nonetheless, this scenario served as a warning to Chelsea that their lacklustre performance could lead to their defeat.
Introduced later in the game, Mykhailo Mudryk attempted to regain stability but was smartly denied by Pope. A last-minute penalty was revoked after interference from VAR, which had initially been awarded due to an assumed foul by Dan Burn on Christopher Nkunku. Regardless, Chelsea managed to secure their victory. – Guardian