Yet another disgusting Bruce-Ball performance as Chelsea destroy United
Newcastle United 0-2 Chelsea
An own goal from Federico Fernandez on 11 minutes and a cool Abraham finish after some great work from Werner, who had picked the ball up in his own half and raced through a couple of Newcastle challenges, were enough to seal the points for Chelsea against a Newcastle United team who were not at the races once again.
With only just over 20% possession at home, and with no visible plan to ever put Chelsea under any pressure or turn them around, this was yet another disgusting performance from Steve Bruce and his team.
Chelsea, in their change strip of orange, totally dominant from start to finish. Newcastle, for the most part, utterly pathetic.
Bruce once again was to leave Miggy Almiron out of the side, despite being arguably Newcastle's most consistent and hardworking player over recent weeks. Jacob Murphy being preferred in a more advanced role with Manquillo behind him on the right. Whilst Wilson was not risked as he fights his way back from injury.
For full team lineup see FACTFILE at the foot of foot of this article
Match Report
After an early scare for United, with only Darlow preventing first Werner saving down to his left and then Abraham from scoring with his head, it wouldn’t take long for Chelsea to get the ball in the net.
The breakthrough on 11 minutes with Fernandez turning the ball into his own goal when under pressure from Chilwell after a Mason Mount cross into the corridor on uncertainty. Despite claims of a push from the Chelsea fullback the goal would stand and Chelsea had their early lead.
With the visitors completely dominant throughout the first half they could have had more had Abraham been alive to a Werner cross for a tap in.
Newcastle only having a terrible 40 yard effort and a deflected Saint-Maximin effort after Abraham gave the ball away under no pressure.
And it should have been game over on 52 minutes, when Schar dallied on the ball facing his own goal allowing Werner to nip in and race clear. But with only Darlow to beat and with the goal gaping he decided to pass responsibility to a teammate square of him, allowing Newcastle to intercept and clear to safety.
Zouma would be next to go close, but his header from a corner would go narrowly wide.
A couple of moments of genuine possibility for Newcastle United early in the second half saw first Hayden blaze over after bustling his way into the box. The goal may have been ruled out for a handball anyway. Next Joelinton would blaze over with time and space at the edge of the Chelsea box.
Chelsea would get their second on the game on 65 minutes.
Timo Werner the chief protagonist, picking the ball up in his own half and running past two black and white shirts before setting Abraham clear through who finished in style, in off the post. The pace and skill Werner showed in the build up certainly justifying the money and faith that Lampard have invested in the German.
Newcastle would then come as close as they have all day to a goal when Sean Longstaff unleashed one of his trademark efforts from fully 35 yards. His pile-driver smashing off the crossbar before going over the bar and to safety, much to the relief of the stranded Chelsea keeper, Mendy.
Werner would have the ball in the net again on 75 minutes only for the goal to be ruled out for the blues player straying just offside.
A chance created by and hit by Miggy Almiron would force Mendy into a rare save for the visitors, with Carroll now on the pitch to at least try and create Chelsea some problems.
In truth through, Newcastle never looked in the game.
Bruce can only be thanking his lucky stars that the home fans were not in the stadium to see yet another inept and toothless performance. No fun this!!
Match FACTFILE
