Chelsea defeated Newcastle 3-2 to close the gap on Newcastle and the top half of the table to just one point.
Nicolas Jackson scored the first goal before Alexander Isak scored the equalizer for the Magpies.
But Chelsea looked a much more comfortable team in the second half, sealing the victory with goals from Cole Palmer and Mykhailo Mudryk.
It was a much-needed victory for Mauricio Pochettino, although Eddie Howe’s side were frustrated by opting for a different approach to the one that worked so well against Wolves.
Mail Sport’s KIERAN GILL and CRAIG HOPE give their verdict on how the players performed at Stamford Bridge.
Mauricio Pochettino given a boost as Chelsea claim much-needed win over Newcastle
Chelsea
Djordje Petrović 6
He didn’t look comfortable with Newcastle’s high press and when he opted to take it long, the Chelsea fans applauded. Neither of the two goals he conceded stopped.
Bad Taste 7
A pain in the ass running up and down the right wing, although he showed carelessness in juggling the ball before Newcastle’s equaliser. That was his only mistake in an otherwise impressive evening.
Axel Disasi 6
You are never sure which Disasi will turn up on match day. Maybe we could have shut down Alexander Isak before his attack if we were extremely critical. Still, he can savor this victory on his birthday.
Trevoh Chalobah 6
Another one who had the chance to clear against Newcastle’s equalizer. Sometimes Chelsea defenders don’t help themselves. But a victory is a victory, even if they had to hold out until the end.
Marc Cucurella 6
First opening since December and celebrated the occasional blockage while getting back into the swing of things. Completely rinsed by Jacob Murphy before his sensational strike created a nervy finish.
Malo Gusto bothered but was careless with the ball before Newcastle’s equalizer
Marc Cucurella is getting back into his groove but Jacob Murphy washed him away for Newcastle’s second goal.
Enzo Fernandez 7
Forever was on hand to receive the ball as his goalkeeper and defenders played out from behind and his quick pass forward set up Palmer to score en route to this victory.
Moisés Caicedo 6.5
A quietly effective performance in midfield as he was hot on the heels of the Newcastle players, winning possession to break up the occasional attack. His partnership with Fernández is developing.
Cole Palmer 8
He twisted and turned Dan Burn so much that the Newcastle left back at times looked like a pretzel, and he finished this game with an assist and a goal. Without a doubt his best signing.
Cole Palmer continues to demonstrate why he is clearly Chelsea’s best signing of last summer
Conor Gallagher 7
This week he missed three days of training due to illness, but you would never have known it judging by his relentless running. The easiest assist he will ever get, thanks to Mykhailo Mudryk.
Raheem Sterling 5
“Southgate’s right, you’re bloody screwed,” the Newcastle fans sang to him. Susceptible to frustrating fans, like when he messed up being one-on-one with Martin Dubravka.
Nicholas Jackson 7.5
A smart move that gave Chelsea the early lead, securing their ninth Premier League goal of the season. He hoped to have scored the second but the assistant flag denied him. Overall, the performance of an adequate striker.
Raheem Sterling missed a great one-on-one opportunity against Martin Dubravka
Nicolas Jackson produced an adequate striker performance during Chelsea’s 3-1 win.
SUBSTITUTES
Mykhailo Mudryk (by Sterling, 71) – 7
A beautiful trick to break through Newcastle’s defensive line and score Chelsea’s third goal – a sample of what he can do if given the chance. The speed he actually possesses is petrifying for defenders.
Cesare Casadei (for Palmer, 86) – N/A
Carney Chukwuemeka (for Jackson 90) – N/A
MANAGER
Mauricio Pochettino – 7
This was a much-needed win after hearing the fans turn against him during that disappointing 2-2 draw at Brentford. Now, the visit of Leicester in the FA Cup, the competition that could save Chelsea this season.
Newcastle
Martin Dubravka 5
It’s hard to tell if he shouted to claim the ball before Chelsea’s first goal; If not, he should have done it. He wasn’t close to any of Chelsea’s three goals, but he too was exposed to those in front of him.
Tino Book 6.5
He did quite well on his return to Stamford Bridge, where he spent 12 years in the academy, and showed effort in both full-back positions. He ran empty-handed at the end and was repeatedly fouled, an indicator of the threat he posed at times.
Fabián Schar 5.5
It started well, in terms of composure and distribution. But it wasn’t a great defensive night and Mudryk brought him down seconds before Chelsea’s third goal. The partnership with Botman didn’t seem as reliable as it could be.
Sven Botman 4
He was guilty of conceding the first goal when his weak clearance went straight to Palmer, whose shot was returned by Jackson. He was also too slow before Chelsea’s third goal and doesn’t look like last season’s player after an injury. A torrid afternoon.
They burn 5.5
Targeted by Chelsea from the start (the first goal came after he failed to stop a cross from Gusto), but was not helped as Gordon was injured in front of him. He fared better when they switched to Almirón to protect him but overall it was a disappointing night for the skipper.
Defender Sven Botman does not look like last season’s player after his injury
Dan Burn had trouble dealing with Palmer and was attacked by Chelsea early in the game.
Sean Longstaff 5
He gave the ball away too much and sometimes put pressure on his teammates with his passes. It seems like he needs a break from the team, as his form is well below last season’s levels.
Bruno Guimaraes 6
A brilliant assist for Isak when he won the ball and passed to his teammate, but he didn’t control the midfield like a player of his quality and reputation should. His night was summed up by sleeping on the ball and being assaulted by Palmer later.
Joe Willock 6
He ran and ran but there was little impact in the final third. He has done well after returning from injury but, as Howe predicted, there will always be a game in which he “rebounds.” Maybe this was all.
Miguel Almirón 6
Watch Willock in terms of effort and perspiration but, again, there was little quality in the final third when it mattered.
Alejandro Isak 6.5
Fantastic finish for his goal, dropping a shoulder and finding the bottom corner, but he was starved of service for most of the game. He remains one of the best players on his team.
Alexander Isak made a fantastic shot but was left without serve during the match.
Antonio Gordon 5
He was injured in the first five minutes and was clearly struggling as he kept going for another half hour. The night of his England audition in front of Gareth Southgate couldn’t have gone worse, given his excellent season to date. He left holding his knee in the 36th minute and it didn’t look good.
Subs
Jacob Murphy (35 minutes for Gordon) 7
His cross at least offered a direct threat and, although not always accurate, there was a better attacking purpose with him on the field. A superb goal that gave hope of tying and was probably the best player on his team.
Emil Krafth (69 minutes for Burn) 5.5
Elliot Anderson (with 69 minutes for Almirón) 6.5
Lewis Miley (in 80 minutes for Willock) 6
Joe White (80 minutes for Guimaraes) 6
Manager
Eddie Howe 5
Why didn’t Newcastle stick with the approach that worked so well against Wolves? They had more ball here but didn’t really know what to do with it. Gordon’s injury was detrimental, but it wasn’t a great night for Howe and his team.