Conte very happy with Chelsea’s ‘not easy’ win over Newcastle United

Chelsea put the frustrations of the past week in the rear view mirror with a solid 3-0 win over Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Goals from Michy Batshuayi and yet another Marcos Alonso free-kick special ensured that Chelsea advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup without too much trouble. Unlike in the previous round, Chelsea didn’t mess about, starting with a strong lineup and taking care of business first time.

As we saw in Liverpool’s lost to West Brom or Spurs’ draw at non-league Newport, the FA Cup can bring its fair share of shocks. No shocks today, despite Newcastle’s strong defensive setup (as only expected from Benítez).

“It was a good performance. It wasn’t easy because Newcastle prepared a very defensive game with five players on the edge of the box, three midfielders very deep, and two strikers to mark our central midfielders.

“It was very important to score the first goal. Pedro and Hazard created a fantastic chance with their ability, then Michy scored. After this goal the situation was simpler for us. In the second half we controlled the game and didn’t risk conceding a goal.

“We must be very happy because it wasn’t easy. When the draw faces you with another Premier League team it’s never easy. You can see Liverpool’s game against West Brom, Tottenham’s game. This competition is very dangerous for the great teams.”

-Antonio Conte; source: Chelsea FC

A good way to get back on the winning track after losing to Arsenal on Wednesday, which put an end to Chelsea’s 12-match unbeaten run.

Time to start a new one!