Chelsea vs. Newcastle United, Premier League: Half-time report

Mikel Merino’s weak attempt on goal in the 8th minute was certainly not an indicator of things to come, as one thing rapidly unfolded after the other, henceforth. Both sides were evenly matched in the opening exchanges before a catastrophic back-pass from Marcos Alonso fell short of Thibaut Courtois and prey to the alert Dwight Gayle, who gave Newcastle a surprise lead.

Fortunately, this only seemed to spur Chelsea on further, as Cesc Fabregas’ lobbed pass to Eden Hazard from the center circle almost led to an equaliser five minutes later, but for Karl Darlow’s terrific save. Two minutes later, Alvaro Morata seemed to be tackled outright by Darlow after Rudiger’s pass put Morata clean through in the area but referee Kevin Friend was having none of it. Andreas Christensen then hit the upright with an excellent header following a corner, and Chelsea’s equaliser finally arrived in the 20th minute. Azpiliceuta’s standard cross to Morata from deep wasn’t cleared effectively by Lejeune, and fell to Hazard who finished past Darlow mercilessly.

Chelsea then clinched the lead after another good long pass from Rudiger found Moses, whose powerful cross needed only be nodded in by Alvaro Morata from close range.

Since the Newcastle goal, it’s been pretty much all Chelsea. More of the same, please!