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| 'You're just a sad Mackem bastard' |
Sunderland legend Marcos Alonso the difference in Chelsea’s win against Newcastle on Saturday. Satisfying on so many levels. Five wins from five across all competitions and fourth in the Premier League on goal difference — just two points off of champions Manchester City. Too soon to get excited about where the team could finish this season?
There were huge questions marks looming over the squad ahead of Saturday’s clash. The most recent international break saw FOUR Chelsea stars aggravate pre-existing injuries or come off with new ones. The most worrying was N’Golo Kante who has not been able to regain any sort of fitness this season - thanks in part to Didier Deschamps.
Saturday’s clash at Stamford Bridge was not a classic. The first half looked laboured despite Newcastle giving the air of a team just looking for a single solitary point from the match. Dubravaka was barely tested - something that thankfully did not last - and Ross Barkley limped off before the break.
Going into half time without a goal was almost and assured loss last season - with Maurizio Sarri working his magic. But Chelsea came out looking much more motivated to break down a stubborn Newcastle defence.
The urgency which the home side played with paid off in the 73rd minute. Following Tammy Abraham hitting the crossbar and Dubravka pulling off a brilliant save, Marcos Alonso found the bottom left corner to give Chelsea a deserved lead. The best thing about this goal was that Abraham celebrated it like he scored it himself running along the touchline in front of the Matthew Harding lower.
Not only did they get the win, but Chelsea also a second consecutive clean sheet at home. There were of course two matches in between that they conceded. But baby steps people, baby steps. And sure, with less than 30% possession and NO shots on target it would be easy to chalk it up to Newcastle’s indifference to scoring. But maybe they were just running scared of Zouma and Tomori who are beginning to form a formidable little partnership.
Special mention for Christian Pulisic. While he seems to be the centre of some sort of odd social media debate - he endured a heartbreaking moment during the international break. He's struggled to regain his Borussia Dortmund form so far this season and is struggling to find his feet with his new club. His lack of minutes and confidence has now crossed over to his USA matches. He was taken off against Canada and was the consummate professional about it. However the camera cut to him moments later in a flood of tears on the bench. So it was great to see him come on for a half hour on Saturday afternoon and remind people of what he can do. He was full of energy and set up a number of goal scoring opportunities. He's full of potential. Fans need to forget he's American, remember he's young and look forward to what he'll bring to this team.
Next up is Ajax away in the Champions League. Should be a fun one in Amsterdam. Hopefully I’ll see you there.
jb xx
RESULT: Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle
GOALS: Alonso 73'
CHELSEA XI: Kepa, Alonso, Zouma, Tomori, Azpilicueta, Barkley (Kovacic 42), Jorginho, Mount (Pulisic 64), Willian, Hudson-Odoi (James 92), Abraham
STAR MAN: Tammy Abraham
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