Chelsea player ratings vs. Newcastle: Blues keep the ball rolling

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NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 21: Jacob Murphy holds off a challenge from N’Golo Kante of Newcastle United of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St. James Park on November 21, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images) /

N’Golo Kante (Defensive midfielder): 9

I’m seriously running out of good things to say about N’Golo Kante. Usually, this would frustrate many people, but I’m over the moon about it. Kante is giving a metaphorical middle finger to all of those who labeled him washed or finished.

The French midfielder is back in his best role as a sole central defensive midfielder. His world class ability as the anchor terrifies opponents. One can try anything to stop the lovable little midfielder—see above photo—but at the end of the day, other teams are forced to accept the fact he’s simply better than they are. Kante is at the top of his game and if it wasn’t for Tammy Abraham’s goal in the second half, he would’ve run away with the Man of the Match award. Lampard has finally figured out the midfield with Kante’s presence proving to be crucial.

Mateo Kovacic (Central midfielder): 8

Mateo Kovacic stole the show over the international break with not one, but two (!!) goals for Croatia. Coupled with his pre-break performance for Chelsea, this got Blues fans excited and wondering if he’s finally added goals to his repertoire. The mystery is yet to be solved. While he didn’t have his shooting boots against Newcastle, he continued to impress in Kai Havertz’s absence. If nothing else, this run of matches has proved that last year’s Player of the Season still has a crucial role around SW6, despite the plethora of new additions.

Mason Mount (Central midfielder): 8

Mason Mount didn’t find the back of the net today, but he came pretty close. If we’re being technical, he was the last Chelsea player to touch the ball before the opening goal. It was Mount’s cross that flung off Fernandez’s leg for the opener on a training ground corner kick routine. Aside from that isolated incident, Mount was superb all day long. He was a part of a three-man midfield that worked as hard as any all season. If the Blues are able to get this sort of production from the middle of the park in every match, it’s hard to see them not dominating any foe they face.

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