Chelsea player ratings vs Newcastle: Cole Palmer masterclass as Pedro Neto takes his chance | OneFootball

Nicolas Jackson continues to improve as Reece James banks 90 minutes, but Robert Sanchez’s struggles go on

Chelsea got back to winning ways in the Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Newcastle inspired by another Cole Palmer masterclass.

Having suffered their first defeat since the opening day of the season at Liverpool last weekend, the Blues took the lead here through Nicolas Jackson midway through the first half.

However, Newcastle hit back before the break through Alexander Isak, only for Palmer to strike soon after the restart.

Here’s how Enzo Maresca’s side rated at Stamford Bridge...

Robert Sanchez 5

Distribution was abysmal early on and a nervousness now infects the crowd when he is on the ball. Rounded so easily by Isak but somehow the forward didn't score. Booked for time-wasting.

Malo Gusto 6

Status is growing all the time, with James moved out of position. Probably needs to stop shooting though, and cross for Newcastle goal came in too easily down his flank.

Wesley Fofana 6

Back from suspension and booked within 10 minutes for a rash tackle which appeared to have injured him as well. Recovered both health and poise, though.

Levi Colwill 6

Troubled by Isak’s runs in behind. One vital clearing header after Sanchez was caught under cross. Did his best to hold Isak up when forward should have levelled.

Reece James 6

Surprisingly started at left-back. Did not seem to love it and eventually moved back to the right, where he made a crucial late clearance. Coming through 90 minutes a major plus.

Moises Caicedo 7

Quitely putting together an excellent run of performances in midfield. Recovery denied Isak a certain goal.

Romeo Lavia 6

Poor pass early on put Fofana in trouble but did well in lead up to Palmer’s winner.

Noni Madueke 6

Always trying, always a danger, but could do with a little more output. Just one goal involvement now in seven league games since hat-trick at Wolves.

Cole Palmer 9

Pass in the lead up to Jackson’s opener was the moment of the game. Had an earlier effort chalked off for marginal offside, but then drove home a fine winner, for all Nick Pope should have done better.

Pedro Neto 8

Preferred to Jadon Sancho and justified the call with an excellent display. Phenomenal pace to set up the opener. Faded a little.

Nicolas Jackson 7

Clinical finish made it six goals for the season. Hold-up play gets better every week.

Substitutes

Mykhailo Mudryk (Madueke 67’) 6

Telling that he was the first substitute sent on, ahead of Sancho, after impressive midweek display. Denied clincher by Pope.

Enzo Fernandez (Lavia 72’) 6

Has work to do to win back his starting place. Did not provide much-needed control.

Marc Cucurella (Gusto 78’) N/A

Christopher Nkunku (Jackson 78’) N/A