Chelsea Match Review I Chelsea vs Newcastle United I Premier League I 13/1/2019

Chelsea Match Review

Chelsea vs Newcastle United I Premier League I 13/1/2019

Match Overview

Premier League football returns with a match against relegation-battler Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge. This match marks the return of some players who were out injured or unavailable during the week, including Pedro and Giroud, although Loftus-Cheek and Morata remain sidelined.

The match was firmly in Chelsea’s control, as most games had been, although with chances far in-between. Chelsea had a great start with an excellent goal by Pedro from a phenomenal long pass from David Luiz in defence. Pedro got behind his marker, got a magnificent touch to control the pass, and then scooped the ball over Newcastle keeper, Dubravka, for Chelsea to take the lead.

Pedro 9’               Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

The match then returned the way that it has been for most of Chelsea’s matches, a lot of possession and attempts to penetrate or find loose ends in the opponents defence. Newcastle tried to hit on the counter with the speed of Yedlin but Chelsea’s defence remained astute. However, Newcastle did manage to level, this time through a corner. Amid the swarm of Chelsea players, Clarke somehow found space and managed to power a header past Kepa’s outstretched hands.

Clarke 40’            Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

Half-Time            Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

Unlike the pre-January matches where Chelsea players seem to be affected by the result not going their way, this time, the team took it in their stride to look for a winner. Time and time again, the attacking players probed and finally, Willian showed exactly why he is worth 50 million in the eyes of Barcelona. Cornered to a tight angle at the right-hand side of the penalty box, he had the option of crossing or passing, but instead, rifled in an impossible shot that curved past Dubravka and into the goal.

Willian 57’           Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

Fulltime                Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

Match Highlight

Chelsea started with the usual 4-3-3 with Hazard playing in a false nine position. Willian returned to the starting line-up as a winger while Kovacic returned to the starting line-up as a midfielder.

Chelsea played with a lot of possession and they came close several times in both halves to improve the score. Pedro, in particular, almost scored twice in the first half if not for an excellent reaction save from Dubravka. Unfortunately, the score remained a paltry 2-1. Nevertheless, the 3 points is what Chelsea should be aiming for and with Arsenal losing points against the Hammers, this may prove vital in the battle for the coveted 4^th position.

Man Of The Match

David Luiz. Much have been said about his defensive abilities, but what is often overlooked by his detractors is his vision and passing skills which Sarri greatly appreciates. His vision allowed him to spot Pedro’s run from deep and his pass fell nicely for Pedro beyond his marker and one-on-one with Dubravka.

Defensively too, he was sound and solid.

Player Ratings
-          Goalkeeper
Kepa Arizabalaga, 6.5

With Chelsea’s style of possession football, opponent’s chances will be far less than it should be. Nevertheless, Kepa would still be open to quick counter attacks where he could be 1 v 1. He seems to have grown well into Sarri’s style of play and fans enjoy his quick handling of the ball to build up play.

-          Defenders
Marcos Alonso, 6

Plays an average game defensively and attackingly.

Antonio Rudiger, 6

Cleans up the back when Luiz goes slightly forward. Clean game.

David Luiz, 8

Stellar inspirational performance. His passing is becoming those like pass wizard ex-Chelsea player Fabregas.

Cesar Azpilicueta, 6

Mr Reliable. Equally game going forward and defending.

-          Midfielders
Jorginho, 6

Chelsea fans seem frustrated by his style of football which is probably the opposite to the kind of balls Fabregas used to deliver. But Jorginho is never an excellent cross-field passer or one with the killer final pass. His specialty lies in quick passing and keeping the tempo of games, which he does brilliantly.

N’golo Kante, 6.5

Love the way he still contributes so much in our defensive phase to win the ball back quickly. Yet love it even more when he could singlehandedly launch an attack with his acceleration and increasingly better dribbling skills. Only a matter of time before he scores another goal.

Kovacic, 6.5

He really contributes a lot to the build-up play, seeming as he is an excellent dribbler of the ball. Needs to work on carving goals up more neatly and getting a goal himself.

-          Forwards
Willian, 7

Pacey and good dribbling skills. One difference in this performance compared to the exciting Hudson-Odoi is perhaps Willian’s shooting boots. Unlike the new star, Willian has a lethal shot. Score more, and he might just convince Chelsea fans to wait a little more for the new kid to break into the squad.

Eden Hazard, 6.5

Mr Talented is at his usual self, getting the ball and trying to dribble through or create his own chances. Unfortunately, he couldn’t take the match into his own hands and had to rely on his team’s abilities to get that win.

Pedro, 7

The first goal was what we have been missing from Pedro for a very long time. I almost forgot he could score. Now, I’m just waiting for his long range screamers to return.