Chelsea firmly at the top of the Premier League standings after a 3-0 win over Newcastle United at Saint James Park Stadium, Saturday (30/10).
The first half of the match was colored by the difficulties of Chelsea and Newcastle in building attacks. The Blues, who excel in possession of the ball, do not have the flexibility to finish.
Play at St. James’ Park, Newcastle actually made the visitors play violent at the beginning of the first half. Chelsea with several times taking advantage of fast play from the wings can threaten the opponent’s penalty box
Passes from Ben Chilwell and the occasional combination by Jorginho, often found Hakim Ziyeh and Kai Havertz up front. But his efforts were still able to be restrained by defenders and opposing goalkeepers.
Meanwhile, Newcastle had the first opportunity in the 11th minute through Callum Wilson who launched a counter-attack. But unfortunately his shot was still over the crossbar.
Then Chelsea returned to attack actively. Until finally created an opportunity that made Ziyech able to strike the ball into the opponent’s goal. But he did not celebrate knowing that he was caught offside first.
Chelsea are very superior in terms of ball possession. Thomas Tuchel’s team managed to go through the first half with 75 percent of the ball in control compared to Newcastle’s 25 percent.
However, they are still having trouble creating a shot that leads directly to the goal which was escorted by Karl Darlow. Score 0-0 was still presented in the first half.
Ziyech also had two chances to find the home net, but his shot bounced in the 33rd and 45th minutes.
The Dutchman marked the second half with chances for Chelsea.
The visitors were able to break into the Newcastle goal which was guarded by Karl Darlow in the 65th minute. Reece James put Chelsea ahead after capitalizing on Callum Hudson-Odoi’s effort.
In the 77th minute, James again broke into Darlow’s goal. The cooperation of Havertz and Ross Barkley started James’ goal which made the score 2-0.
Two minutes later Chelsea got a penalty after Havertz was violated by Darlow. Jorginho who came forward as the executioner changed the numbers on the scoreboard.
A 3-0 win ensured Chelsea took home all three points and are now on 25 points at the top of the table.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are three points ahead of Liverpool, who were held to a draw by Brighon Hove Albion. In addition, Thomas Tuchel’s men are also five points ahead of Manchester City, who lost to Crystal Palace.
