Chelsea vs Newcastle: The one that had Benitez back

When you're facing Eden Hazard in a free role

Rafa Benitez. The name still offers up a visceral reaction — no matter how much I have tried to blank out his brief and boo-y stint at the Bridge. It happened. There’s no denying it. So the next best thing would be to remind him that our relationship, remains a frosty one. Especially as he appears to have completely forgotten how well it went the first time round. 

Hindsight is the egotistical narcissist's best mate. Also works well for Twitter trolls, but that’s a separate matter entirely. For those of you who braved The Hungry One’s pre-match press conference in the build up to his ‘triumphant’ return, you may have noticed some discrepancies in how he remembers his time at Chelsea and how it actually was. 

It seems that Mr. Benitez was under the impression that he would receive a ‘warm welcome’ from Chelsea fans on Saturday afternoon. In the six months that he imposed himself on Stamford Bridge, the closest he came to a warm welcome was the sun being out. But between the boos, the songs and the banners — printed not just naff A4 scraps scrawled on in crayon — there was nothing to indicate that his return would be welcomed with anything other than derision. Maybe mild apathy if he was really lucky. And while not as vociferous as it once was, I can confirm his name was booed when read out, and ‘We don’t care about Rafa… ‘ was sung out in the closing minutes. Along with a few other treats that seemed to result in a PTSD like scamper back to his seat.

The Spaniard did not stop there. He also re-wrote his contract! Because, why not. Delusions of grandeur know no bounds. He claimed it was a "small vocal minority" that drove him out of London. First, I’m not sure 40,000 people week in and week out counts as a small vocal minority. Second, and most importantly, his contract was only as an interim manager for a specified amount of time. 

In fact, Benitez had been offered that once before and turned it down because he was holding out for a proper contract. When it didn’t arrive and the chance rose again he jumped at it. Accepted that he would be but a footnote in that season. So, no Rafa, you were not driven out by fans appalled at your existence in their ground. You fulfilled the entirety of the contract you agreed to. Another one was never coming. The club made a point of highlighting ‘interim’ on the team sheets. That’s on you if you chose to ignore it.

It’s possible that the man learned a thing or two from his BFF Jose Mourinho about slight of hand and distraction. I focused on those inane comments in the buildup to this game, and he likely wanted others two as well. Then maybe no one Conte's tactical team would realise Newcastle are on an incredibly abysmal run of results. Heading into lunchtime Saturday, Newcastle had seen a single win in their previous 9 games. And that was against Crystal Palace which hardly counts. Said without any irony that Chelsea went to Selhurst Park and shamefully lost.

In fact Newcastle had failed to even score in three of their last five games. So, like Crystal Palace, they were always going to open the scoring against Chelsea. It would have been difficult for Antonio Conte not to completely underestimate them on their current form. Plus Chelsea tend to be slow starters when they have the lunchtime kickoff. It’s a good thing they don’t have an unprecedented number of those coming up this month … 

But it didn’t take long for things to click for the home side. Even with Victor Moses bizarrely reinstated to the side. Chelsea snapped out of their brief lethargy and went up a gear. By and large thanks to a finally fully fit free-flowing Belgian. In your face alliteration.

No thanks to international breaks, Eden Hazard is actually fit phwoar. He's also not being thrown on mid-injury to re-aggravate it because some manager named didn't have a plan B. Not only is he fit, but the master tactician that he is, Antonio Conte, is playing Eden Hazard in his very best position. In behind the striker to create chances and score a few himself. He’s basically free to roam and devastate, ending careers as he goes. Only taken five years for someone to sort it out. But hey ho, better late than never etc and so on.

Kevin Friend vs Cesc Fabregas

No shame on Newcastle’s part for not being able to contain Eden Hazard. He’s going to do that to just about anyone. They should have concentrated more of their efforts on trying to stop Cesc Fabregas and Danny Drinkwater. Fabregas was given a ridiculous amount of space to work his magic and Drinkwater is looking better with each passing game. 

Outside of the result and Hazard's glittering performance, the best part of Saturday were Newcastle's fans. And absolutely outstanding effort. Not just selling out the full allocation for a ridiculous kick-off time considering where they had to travel from. But Newcastle's fans, especially in the opening 20 minutes were fantastic. Full of energy and the best away end I've seen there in a long time. Even if they were singing for their man on the touchline.

A special mention to Kevin Friend. While either side could complain about a number of fouls and even potential penalties not called, he did manage to win me back with his attempts at physical comedy. Tired of all the passing fun Cesc Fabregas and Eden were having, Friend 'accidentally' pushed Fabregas and sent the saucy Spaniard flying. Obviously jealous that he didn't get to be part of the fun and games. While the initial sight was amusing,  Friend callously stepping over Fabregas and waving play on was properly funny. Fair play Kevin, fair play.

Chelsea weathered the early storm to get the job done on Saturday. With a match seemingly every couple of days this month, they’ll need to continue grinding out these performances to stay within touching distance of the Manchesters. By Christmas we should know the real extent of Chelsea’s squad depth and just why Conte gets paid the big bucks. Even if a few of them have been shifted to the FA for his stint on the naughty step (and their annual Christmas party).

jenny xx

ps Rafa — if you want to see what a warm welcome really looks like, be sure to watch Chelsea’s game on Tuesday when Fernando Torres returns.