A spirited defensive performance from Newcastle in the absence of captain Jamaal Lascelles went unrewarded as they lost 2-1 to Chelsea at St. James’ Park
An uneventful encounter saw the Blues largely frustrated by Rafa Benitez’s defensive tactics, and a late DeAndre Yedlin own goal maintained Maurizio Sarri’s 100 percent winning record in the Premier League.
Eden Hazard had given Chelsea the lead through a 76th minute penalty, before Joselu leveled soon after.
Hazard also went closest for Chelsea in what was a dry first half, but was unable to sort his feet out upon reaching the edge of the six-yard box.
The hosts were happy to play without the ball and in their own half, with striker Salomon Rondon having a quiet game.
Benitez’s decision to switch to a back three paid off, snuffing out Chelsea and their new possession style.
Cesar Azpilicueta had a low shot from the edge of the area easily saved by Martin Dubravka at the start of the second half, but had to wait until the 72nd minute to threaten again when Antonio Rudiger’s shot cannoned back off the crossbar.
With a quarter of an hour remaining, Fabian Schar brought down Marcos Alonso in the box, and though replays showed he got the ball first, a penalty was awarded, and Hazard converted on his return to the Chelsea starting line-up.
However, their lead was short lived, as Joselu managed to beat David Luiz to a Yedlin cross seven minutes from time and Newcastle thought they had done enough to secure a point.
The action did not end there though, as a low drive from Marcos Alonso was deflected goalwards by Yedlin, and Chelsea held on to claim all three points.
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