Aug 10, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Chelsea midfielder Oscar (11) with the ball during the second half against AS Roma at RFK Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Frederiksen-USA TODAY Sports
Chelsea FC returned to Barclay’s Premier League play with a home game against Newcastle United. With games coming thick and fast, Jose Mourinho opted to bring Kurt Zouma and Petr Cech into the starting XI.
Early on Diego Costa had an opportunity when Chelsea were on a breakaway, but instead tried to cut the ball across the fave of goal. Newcastle was able to clear the Chelsea threat.
In truth, the first 30 minutes from Chelsea were poor. They were able to keep the ball well, but were wasteful in the final third. Additionally, Newcastle launched a few counter attacks that posed a serious threat to the Chelsea goal.
For all the hard work Chelsea were showing on the offensive end, a defensive lapse nearly cost them. Remy Cabella capitalized from a poor pass from Chelsea inside their own third. The speedy midfielder skipped past Zouma, before being saved by Cech.
Five minutes later Chelsea were sent a warning shot again. Moussa Sissoko powered through the Chelsea defense, but saw his shot strike the post and go out of play.
The Blues were hit with an unfortunate injury at this point in the first half, when Cesar Azpilicueta was forced to come off. Filipe Luis filled in for him at the left fullback position.
In the dying minutes of the first half, Chelsea took the lead from a clever bit of play. Willian took a corner before either team had an opportunity to get set. He played it short to an oncoming Branislav Ivanovic, who squared it for Oscar who was unmarked on the far post. The Brazilian made a simple finish to give his team the lead.
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The Blues would go into the halftime break leading, but it was by no means a great performance. Newcastle will be annoyed at allowing a goal so late in the half after defending well for the majority of it.
Chelsea were able to double their lead in the 59th minute, much to the delight, and relief of the home crowd.
A move on the left side was started by none other than Eden Hazard. The Belgian found Oscar, who flicked the ball on for a running Diego Costa. Costa continued his good form by scoring, and took the lead for top scorer in the league.
There was a clear improvement in the second half for Chelsea. Newcastle still frustrated the hosts to a degree, but there was much more fluid attacking play.
Costa thought he had effectively put the game to bed with his second goal of the game, but his effort was blocked and put behind by Fabricio Coloccini.
Chelsea got the three points they wanted, and a necessary three points in their chase for the league title. Chelsea will now turn their attentions to Swansea City.
MOTM: Oscar- Oscar was involved in both goals for Chelsea today, scoring the first and assisting on the second.
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