Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle: Blues positives and negatives

Chelsea maintained their strong home record against Newcastle United with a solid victory. Goals from Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer negated Alexander Isak's equalizer, lifting the Blues into the top five. Here are the key positives and negatives from the match.

Positives

1. Another Cole Palmer Show

Football fans worldwide are quickly becoming accustomed to Cole Palmer running the show for Chelsea, and Sunday was no different. The young Englishman showcased top form at Stamford Bridge. Although an early goal was disallowed due to a close offside, Palmer’s technical brilliance shone through for Chelsea’s first. His impressive footwork was followed by a perfectly timed long ball to Pedro Neto, which bypassed most of Newcastle’s defense and allowed Neto to find Jackson open in the box to start the scoring.

As seen in previous matches, Enzo Maresca’s side started the second half on the front foot, with Romeo Lavia winning possession from Alexander Isak and finding Palmer. The reigning Premier League Player of the Month made a confident run into the box, threading a tight angle between Nick Pope and the near post for Chelsea's second goal. Palmer’s growing confidence was evident, and his ability to drift into pockets on the left flank allowed him to exploit space effectively.

2. Nicolas Jackson’s All-Round Performance

A year ago, Nicolas Jackson might have struggled to convert Pedro Neto’s cross. However, with another year’s experience and more confidence, he finished decisively on his first attempt. His performance wasn’t limited to scoring—Jackson’s movement, dropping deeper to create space and opening up Newcastle’s defense, showcased his growing maturity. If he maintains this form, Chelsea may have found a forward capable of leading them for seasons.

3. Reece James’ Injury-Free 90 Minutes

Aside from the victory, Chelsea fans will be delighted to see captain Reece James back for a full 90 minutes, looking strong and resilient post-injury. Maresca’s decision to start James on the left alongside Palmer added a tactical wrinkle that troubled Newcastle. When Marc Cucurella replaced Malo Gusto, James shifted to right-back, where he made crucial clearances in the second half to secure Chelsea’s win. His standout performance in only his second game back highlights his importance to the squad.

4. Pedro Neto’s Impact

The inclusion of Pedro Neto was anticipated, and he made a strong impression over the 90 minutes. Before the first goal, his blistering pace left Fabian Schär unable to keep up, and his accurate cross made Jackson’s finish easier. Unlike Jadon Sancho in previous matches, Neto showed a willingness to take on players and take shots, offering Maresca a versatile winger who adds a different dimension to Chelsea's attack.

5. Moises Caicedo’s Understated Role

Often flying under the radar, Moises Caicedo had another solid match. After a challenging start to last season, he’s developed into a reliable presence for Chelsea. On Sunday, Caicedo recorded four more interceptions than any other player on the pitch, demonstrating his impact on both ends.

Negatives

1. Robert Sanchez’s Passing Woes

Once again, Chelsea’s Spanish goalkeeper found himself in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. Usually criticized for his in-box mistakes, this time it was his passing that fell short. Signed for his supposed ball-playing ability, Sanchez managed only 5 out of 24 successful long balls—a 24% success rate. Comparatively, Nick Pope, not regarded for his passing, achieved 30%. Additionally, in the second half, Alexander Isak easily rounded him near the touchline, only to be thwarted by solid defense from Levi Colwill and Moises Caicedo. Maresca may soon need to consider his options in goal.

2. Discipline and Clean Sheet Concerns

The Newcastle match marked the third instance this season where Chelsea accrued six or more yellow cards, resulting in yet another team fine. Some of these cards were deserved due to actions like kicking the ball away or waving imaginary cards at the referee—a practice that’s no longer allowed, yet some players persist with it after receiving multiple warnings last season. Still, a few bookings seemed harsh. Maintaining clean sheets is also a concern. Not every game will see Chelsea scoring multiple goals, making defensive solidity crucial. Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace’s ability to stifle Chelsea are recent examples of this challenge.

3. Stamford Bridge Atmosphere

The first half saw Chelsea’s home fans once again quiet, with Newcastle supporters dominating the atmosphere. It almost felt like an away game for the Blues. However, the crowd’s energy picked up in the second half, partially fueled by controversial refereeing decisions. Chelsea fans need to create a more consistent home atmosphere, taking inspiration from other stadiums where the crowd plays a significant role in motivating the team. At their best, Stamford Bridge can be among the most intimidating venues worldwide.