Mueez Ajao
– Premier League leaders Chelsea beat Newcastle 3-0 on Saturday after a pair of stunning goals from Reece James.
– The Blues, who had only won two of their last eight games at St. James’ Park, fielded a much-changed team as Romelu Lukaku, Mason Mount, Timo Werner and Mateo Kovacic were unavailable.
– That meant starts for Callum Hudson-Odoi and Hakim Ziyech, and it was the Morocco international who was the biggest threat.
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– But, despite having 75% possession in the first half, Chelsea struggled to break through as Ziyech’s effort was ruled out for offside after he curled the ball into the top corner following a Jorginho pass, then James’ cross was missed by Ziyech and Kai Havertz when both could have scored.
– Ziyech struck a free kick over from 30 yards and Andreas Christensen did well to put off Jamaal Lascelles at the other end, but neither team managed a shot on target in the half.
– Just after the break, Ziyech’s shot was deflected off Lascelles and bounced against the post.
– Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek came on for Ziyech and N’Golo Kante and shortly after James picked up the ball on right, cut inside and drilled a powerful shot into the top corner.
– The right-back then smashed another 12 minutes later to make himself the club’s joint-top scorer this season with four goals, and Jorginho made it 3-0 from the penalty spot after Karl Darlow brought down Havertz.
– The result saw Chelsea go three points clear as Liverpool were held 2-2 by Brighton and Man City lost 2-0 to Crystal Palace.
