Another Narrow Win

For the second time this season, Chelsea took the lead against Newcastle United, the latter equalised, and then the former scored again to win narrowly but deservedly by two goals to one. Willian scored the all-decisive goal, with a delicious effort. However this was another patchy performance. It appears that the crowd are losing patience with Jorginho, the teacher's pet, who remarkably has not contributed a solitary assist this season. Jorginho is just the new John Obi Mikel, with a limited footballing style. What the team desperately needs is a dynamic, all-singing, all-dancing midfielder like a Ballack, or Essien, or even a Dennis Wise, someone who can tackle, provide goal assists, and also chip in with some goals. Jorginho is not ticking many of these boxes. Ahead lies two encounters with our lovely norf London neighbours. They will be a step up in quality from lowly Newcastle. It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will be sufficiently lethal to cope with these challenges.

CHELSEA 2 Newcastle United 1; half time: 1-1

CHELSEA: Arrizabalaga; Luiz; Alonso; Azpilicueta; Rudiger; Jorginho; Kovacic; Hazard; Kante; Pedro; Willian. Used substitutes: Barkley; Hudson-Odoi; Giroud

CHELSEA goal scorers: Pedro; Willian 

LEADING SCORERS:

Hazard twelve

Morata nine

Pedro seven

Loftus-Cheek six

Giroud five

Willian five

Barkley three

Kante three