What Reece James did straight after the full-time whistle in Chelsea vs Newcastle match

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Chelsea captain Reece James made his second start of the season against Newcastle United on Sunday.

Reece James missed the very start of the campaign because of injury, but he recently returned to action, being fit enough to play in games versus Newcastle and Liverpool.

Chelsea lost 2-1 to Liverpool, but the defender was able to help the Blues to beat the Magpies by the same scoreline.

Enzo Maresca decided to play James at left-back in an experiment that proved to be a success.

• READ MORE: Enzo Maresca should consider making ‘fantastic’ Chelsea player captain after Reece James comments

How Reece James and Chelsea players reacted to Newcastle win

Chelsea really had to battle for those three points on Sunday, and that was clear to see from their players’ reactions after the game.

Journalist Bobby Vincent, who was at Stamford Bridge, saw James fall to the floor at full-time before being mobbed by his teammates.

The right-back was clearly pleased that Maresca‘s men managed to get over the line.

However, Chelsea have another tough Premier League fixture coming up, travelling to Old Trafford on Sunday to take on Manchester United.

While Maresca does not think James is the perfect leader yet, the 24-year-old remains Chelsea captain.

Reece James plays full 90 minutes against Newcastle

James was able to complete the Newcastle game, which is such a positive development after all of his injury issues.

Maresca would have been thankful that the Englishman was able to finish the match. Had he come off or not played altogether, Chelsea may have drawn the game.

James made some important defensive contributions, including at the very end of the match. There was one moment where he headed the ball over his goal before it could get to a Newcastle player. It was really a fantastic piece of defending.

Didier Drogba would have loved to play alongside James, and it is not hard to understand why. The England international did a lot of defending on Sunday, but he is still a modern-day full-back who is capable of getting forward.