Chelsea 3-2 Newcastle: What Were The Key Talking Points As The Blues Claim A Crucial Victory At Stamford Bridge?

In what was a frantic affair from Stamford Bridge on Monday night, Chelsea secured a 3-0 victory against Newcastle in west London.

Two sides who opened Monday’s showdown separated by just four points, it was the Blues who got off to a flying start as Nicolas Jackson produced a smart flicked finish after just six minutes.

However, with Alexander Isak hammering home just seconds before the half-time break, Mauricio Pochettino’s men faced a real psychological test after returning from the interval.

With Cole Palmer restoring the Blues’ lead after notching an 11th Premier League goal of the season just before the hour mark, Mykhailo Mudryk then appeared to have wrapped up all three points for Pochettino’s side.

While second-half substitute Jacob Murphy might have set up a grandstand finish in west London after producing a thunderbolt in injury-time, Newcastle missed out on the chance to claim a crucial scalp in their bid to claim another European finish.

In what was an action-packed affair from Stamford Bridge on Monday night, we have taken a look at the main talking points.

Pochettino eases some of the pressure on his shoulders

While Pochettino might have only arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer in an attempt to steady the ship in west London, the former Tottenham boss has found a huge amount of scrutiny over his long-term future.

With continued speculation over Pochettino’s frosty relationship with Chelsea owner Todd Boehly, it has been suggested that the Blues’ hierarchy are keen on putting a new man in the dugout ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

However, while the Argentine tactician might reportedly be unsatisfied by Chelsea’s business over the past couple of transfer windows, Pochettino certainly eased some of the pressure on his shoulders.

Although the former Premier League champions might still be battling it out in the bottom-half of the table, their EFL Cup final defeat against Liverpool on February 25th is their only loss from their previous seven appearances across all competitions.

Although Monday’s hosts might still be seeking some much-needed defensive resolve, they should be confident of using their dramatic 3-2 victory here as a platform to build on over the final couple of months.

Palmer has cemented his spot as Chelsea’s leading man

Producing a thunderous second-half strike here and at the heart of everything positive that Chelsea produced on Monday night, Palmer has only continued to excel since arriving at Stamford Bridge.

Making the move from defending champions Manchester City last summer in a deal worth £45million, Palmer has bagged 11 Premier League goals so far this season.

Appearing to be sat in the driving seat to punch a spot in Gareth Southgate’s EURO 24 squad, the 21-year-old has also become the first player to score and assist in five different Premier League fixtures this season.

Clearly enjoying life in west London and cementing his spot as Pochettino’s leading man, there is an argument that Palmer is one of the Premier League’s signings of the season.

If Chelsea are to mount a dramatic late charge in their bid to book a lucrative European return, Palmer will certainly have a leading role to play.

Newcastle’s inconsistencies continue

While Newcastle might have made major history last season as they secured a famous Champions League return, the Magpies have largely struggled with their consistency this time around.

Watching their European adventure come to a heartbreaking end back in December, Monday’s guests are facing a real uphill battle over the next couple of months.

Despite claiming a welcomed 3-0 romp against Wolves at St. James’ Park last time out, Eddie Howe’s men came crashing back down to earth at Stamford Bridge.

Missing out on what they billed as a potential opportunity in west London, Newcastle have won just one of their previous five appearances within 90 minutes and Howe has faced some increasing scrutiny.

Winning just a trio of their previous 11 Premier League showdowns – a run that stems all the way back to December 16th – the former Bournemouth boss has seen his squad come tumbling down the table.

Match Report

Chelsea: Petrovic, Gusto, Disasi, Chalobah, Cucurella, Fernandez, Caicedo, Palmer, Gallagher, Sterling, Jackson

Subs: Mudryk, Chukwuemeka, Casadei,

Newcastle: Dubravka, Livramento, Schar, Botman, Burn, Willock, Guimaraes, Longstaff, Almiron, Isak, Gordon

Subs: Anderson, Krafth, Murphy, White, Miley

Goals: Chelsea: Jackson (6’), Palmer (57’), Mudryk (76’) – Newcastle: Isak (43’), Murphy (90’)

Yellow Cards: Chelsea: Petrovic, Caicedo, Sterling – Newcastle: White

Red Cards: N/A

Referee: John Brooks