The Interim One returned to Stamford Bridge with his new side, Newcastle United, hoping to exact revenge on his former employers. Alas, despite taking an early lead, the Magpies were swept away by waves of Chelsea attacks and the home side prevailed with a 3-1 scoreline.
Here’s what we thought of yet another home win.
#1 Rejig to Rejuvenate
With another midweek game on the horizon, Antonio Conte shuffled his pack yet again, which has become a feature of this season. It was the turn of Antonio Rudiger to start in defence instead of Gary Cahill while Danny Drinkwater played in midfield with Kante and Fabregas. Victor Moses made his first start since returning from injury, which meant a rest for Davide Zappacosta. Willian and Pedro were left out of the 3-5-2, which meant it was Hazard and Morata up front. It was a strong Chelsea side on paper and so it proved on the pitch. Although Newcastle’s goal was a case of the defence firing the shotgun squarely at their own feet, the team recovered quickly and went into half-time leading 2-1. A third goal wrapped things up in the second half.
#2 Victorious Return For Moses
There can be no greater compliment for Davide Zappacosta than the fact that Victor Moses was not missed during his absence through injury. The Italian international did a commendable job on the right flank, but with Moses available again, Conte handed him a start against Newcastle. In his previous appearance when he came on as a substitute, the Nigerian seemed a bit rusty, which wasn’t entirely unexpected. But in this game, Moses was excellent. His cross set up Morata’s header for the second goal and then he won the penalty which Hazard converted to make it three. Not a bad way to mark your return.
#3 Garden Of Eden
You tend to run out of superlatives while describing the likes of Messi and Ronaldo, and Eden Hazard is making himself a regular presence in that bracket. As on most days, the Belgian ran the show for the Blues, ending his game with two goals and a handful of terrified Newcastle defenders. His second goal was scored from the penalty spot – a Panenka – which left the ‘keeper with no chance of saving it. Before he could complete his hat-trick, Conte took him off, which should only motivate him to fill his boots a bit earlier next time.
#4 On Your Feet, Alvaro
Alvaro Morata is a wonderful striker, of that there can be no argument. If there’s one weakness to his game, it’s his tendency to go down a little too easily and look towards the referee, expecting a foul to be called. Most of the time, the referee ignores his protests, leaving him frustrated. Now because of this, Morata does not seem to be able to convince referees even when he has a valid reason to feel aggrieved. A few games where he gets up and gets on with it might improve the perception that referees seem to have of him as someone who just looks for fouls.
#5 More Than A Water Carrier
Danny Drinkwater may have been seen as a rather uninspiring bit of business in the summer and that perception took a stronger hold as he missed the first few months of the season with injury. Most people were of the opinion that he would struggle to get a game in a packed Chelsea midfield. But now that he is fit and playing regularly, he doesn’t look out of place in this Chelsea side at all. His passing is neat, he makes good forward runs and the way he flicked the ball to Hazard showed a player who is on a similar wavelength to some of his more illustrious teammates. Having played with Kante for a year at Leicester is another point in his favour. One thing is for sure, he won’t be warming the bench at Chelsea.
Atletico Madrid are the visitors on Tuesday, with Chelsea looking to wrap up top spot in their Champions League group. A return to the 3-4-3 with Willian and Pedro might be the way to go in this one.