An under par Chelsea put two past a Newcastle side, as Chelsea show professionalism and quality to maintain a two point lead.
Having hit their poorest patch of the season thus far, Chelsea were looking to get a sense of momentum and zest as the final half of the season was well into its stride. Talking of stride that was what Chelsea lacked from the off at Stamford Bridge, an ambitious volley from Remy Cabella and a shot from Moussa Sissoko hitting the post, injecting early nerves into the Chelsea fans – hinting at a possible hangover from the unexpected 5-3 defeat against Spurs.
With defensive prodigy Kurt Zouma retaining his place from last weeks 3-0 win over Watford, it was a chance to impress from the youngster. While John Terry was making his 648th appearance, equal to that of Frank Lampard, a player whose season long deal at Manchester City had cause a sense of uprising from some Chelsea faithful.
Source: chelseafc.com
Having looks nervous and caught in a somewhat shell in the opening period, it took some time for the class of Chelsea to warm up and put down the accelerator. Willian got the first goal through a short corner being played to Ivanovic whose pin-point cross found the pesky Brazilian Oscar to tap in for a one goal lead. This somewhat dented Newcastle’s confidence as the likes of Cabella and Sissoko has been inspirational in manoeuvring a steadfast attacking display. Mike Williamson bought down Diego Costa for a free-kick on the edge of the area, with Willian’s effort being professionally parried by the Dutchman Krul. It seemed Chelsea has woken up, and there was a much more convincing sense of attacking astuteness in the second half.
That prediction was proved right as Newcastle seemed like a dimmed force compared to the opening passage of the first half. Diego Costa proved forever menacing after the break, with a shot seemingly being handled by Coloccini, this being downplayed by the referee. This confidence inhibited by Costa payed of as he finally got his goal, some great work on the left hand side led to the ball coming to Hazard, while a flurry of dynamic team passes led to the ball falling in the path of Oscar who back-heeled it perfectly for Costa to score triumphantly. Now being re- energised with confidence, Costa went on a marvellous run after Fabregas won the ball of Colback, galloping past seven Toon players before his scuffed shot was deflected by Coloccini and deflected over the bar. He could of got another, with this flare striker looking overtly dangerous throughout the second period.
Source: chelseafc.com
This second goal proved the pivotal in deciding the contest as Chelsea, with Newcastle running out of puff afterwards and never really threatening this assailing Chelsea team. The killer touch was what Chelsea possessed today, with Newcastle starting the better and becoming further afloat as the match continued on. They really looked threatening with the likes of Cabella finding precious space to manipulate, and therefore terrorising of the Chelsea back-line. Speaking of the back-line, since five goals were shipped against Tottenham the back-line looks slightly delirious and destructible, Chelsea will need to use back-to-back wins to insert solidity back into the majorarively secure Chelsea back-four. Overall, it was a professional display which was fabricated through some expert football, Chelsea can turn there backs on the harrowing defeat a fortnight ago.
Edward
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