Chelsea secured another Premier League victory, moving into second place with this win against a stubborn Newcastle United. The Magpies nearly snatched a point from the Blues, creating numerous great chances to score.
The Chelsea players had to dig in and ensure the game was won in the end. Here’s how the Pride of London rates the players’ individual performances against Eddie Howe's men:
Robert Sanchez: 6/10
Sanchez earns a six primarily due to his passing. The 1.97m tall keeper was nearly impeccable in his short passing, completing 15 of 16 attempts. However, his long passing was eye-watering, as he attempted only 40 passes in total and completed just 20. The worst part is that from his long ball attempts, he completed just 5 out of 24. Poor.
Malo Gusto: 6/10
Gusto was okay. His crossing was poor, but his ball retention was very good. He got on the end of many shots, which could be attributed to Enzo Maresca's tactics or his own adventurousness. His defending was adequate as well.
Wesley Fofana: 6/10
Fofana's passing was acceptable, but his long passing left much to be desired. He was strong in duels, which was refreshing to see, and his defending was solid. His ball-carrying was also very good, winning key fouls to relieve pressure on the Blues.
Levi Colwill: 6/10
Colwill, like Fofana, struggled with long passing, although he attempted more. He performed better in ground duels than in aerial ones. He also came close to conceding another penalty. It seemed Fofana contested most duels on the day, as Colwill's center-back partner engaged in more than double the volume of duels he did.
Reece James: 7.5/10
James was significantly better than the other defenders. His role in progressing the ball was pronounced, as no defender made more passes into the final third than he did. He lost just one duel, demonstrating he is still as dominant as he was before being sidelined by injury. Chelsea fans would have been pleased to see their captain start another Premier League match.
Moises Caicedo: 8/10
Caicedo was impeccable. He did everything—tackles, interceptions, goal-line clearances; you name it. He even created chances. The Ecuadorian's ball retention was excellent, and he was busy defensively, making an incredible six interceptions. Only N'Golo Kanté has made more in a single game for Chelsea.
Romeo Lavia: 7/10
The perfect word to describe Lavia's performance against the Magpies would be "tidy." While not dazzling, it was a better performance than what Enzo Fernández has been providing. Lavia's passing was neat, and he was strong in his duels.
Noni Madueke: 6.5/10
Madueke was guilty of another average performance. While he took two shots on target, he was poor in his duels.
Cole Palmer: 8.5/10
Palmer's role was key against Howe's men. THAT pass to Neto for Chelsea's opening goal was exceptional, and his finish to score the winner showed why it is foolish to give Palmer any kind of space on the pitch.
Pedro Neto: 8/10
Neto continued to demonstrate his quality in crossing, providing an assist to Jackson as a prime example. The Portugal international also created Chelsea's only big chance of the game. While his dribbling was good, he lost all five of his defensive duels.
Nicolas Jackson: 7.5/10
Jackson was solid, with superb link-up play again, creating three chances. He only took one shot, but it was all he needed on the day, showcasing a rare clinical side.
Mykhailo Mudryk (67’): 6/10
Mudryk didn't do much upon his arrival, although he did get on the end of a very good chance, which he squandered. His pace was useful for the Blues, opening up more attacking options for his teammates.
Enzo Fernández (72’): 6/10
Fernández was equally average. In 18 minutes, he still managed to give away a foul. It was really a nothing cameo from the World Cup winner.
Marc Cucurella (78’): 5/10
Cucurella was inconsequential, merely chasing shadows during the 12 minutes he played.
Christopher Nkunku (78’): 6/10
Nkunku made his presence felt in his 12 minutes on the pitch, contesting six duels and winning four. He also took some shots and won important fouls.