Despite a fast start where they scored first, Newcastle United were comfortably beaten 3-1 at Stamford Bridge by Chelsea. How did their players get on?
Goalkeeper: Karl Darlow – 6/10
Unreal, incredible, superhuman stop from Eden Hazard in the first-half and keep it 0-0. Could do nothing for the goals.
Right wing-back: Javi Manquillo – 6/10
A solid display from the Spaniard. Attacked and defended well and protected his flank too.
Centre-back: Chancel Mbemba – 4/10
Weak on the second goal. And weak in general. Won 0/4 tackle attempts.
Centre-back: Floriant Lejeune – 4/10
Exposed by his team-mates, but should have done better with the crosses for both goals. Dominated in the air by Morata, losing all 3 duels the pair contested.
Centre-back: Ciaran Clark – 3/10
Utterly vestigial. Should have been tighter to Hazard for his equaliser and did nothing but mark thin air for Morata’s go-head.
Left wing-back: Matt Ritchie – 3/10
Awful clearance leading to Morata’s goal. Conceded the game-killing penalty too. Had a tough time all afternoon.
Defensive midfield: Mohamed Diame – 5/10
Pressed superbly in the early going but couldn’t get close to Fabregas nor protect his defenders. Won just 1/5 tackles and completed 78% of his passes.
Defensive midfield: Mikel Merino – 6/10
So elegant on the ball and committed in the tackle. Attempted 9 (winning 3), a team high.
Right-wing: Jacob Murphy – 6/10
Excellent hustle to force the defensive mistake from Courtois for Newcastle’s goal. Played with bubbling intent all night. Execution was unfortunately lacking but no faulting his effort.
Left-wing: Ayoze Perez – 5/10
Some good dribbles but ultimately a wasteful performance. Hooked after an hour.
Striker: Dwight Gayle – 7/10
Had one great chance and took it superbly. Never stopped running and pressing all night despite being starved of service.
Isaac Hayden: – 4/10
Came on for Perez after 61 minutes. Intended to help secure midfield but misplaced 5/9 passes (44%) and allowed Chelsea to end the game with a flourish.
Jonjo Shelvey: – 6/10
Came on for Diamé after 75 minutes. Added some solidity and even created a chance.
DeAndre Yedlin: – n/a
Came on for Merino after 84 minutes.
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