Chelsea recorded a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United to move to the top of the Premier League table this evening.
Both of Chelsea's goals arrived before the break, with Fernando Torres and Eden Hazard heavily involved.
Here, Sports Mole has analysed the action from a rain-soaked Stamford Bridge.
Match stats:
Chelsea:
Shots: 11
On target: 6
Possession: 56%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 8
Newcastle:
Shots: 11
On target: 5
Possession: 44%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 10
Was the result fair?
Chelsea were by no means at their best, but they did more than enough to win this match. The two goals before half-time all but ended the fixture as a contest. They continued to create chances after the restart, while rarely looking troubled at the back.
Chelsea's performance
As mentioned above it was a case of 'job done' for the Blues. Their performance today was similar to the one that allowed them to beat Wigan Athletic 2-0 on the opening weekend of the season. With the likes of Juan Mata, Hazard and Torres in attack, they caused Newcastle problems throughout.
Newcastle's performance
Starting with Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse in attack was a bold move from Alan Pardew. However, it appears to have backfired on the manager. Neither were involved as the Chelsea defence were dominant. Also, the fact that Newcastle were overrun in midfield at times meant that one of the Senegalese duo should have been dropped to the bench.
Sports Mole's man of the match
It may seem that continually giving the award to Hazard is the easy option, but right now it is the ONLY option. The Belgian tucked away his penalty with ease, before setting up Torres to make it 2-0. His assist for the Torres goal was his sixth in just three games!
Biggest gaffe
Demba Ba had a good chance to bring Newcastle back in the game at the closing stages when he found himself free inside the area. His shot was tame though and Petr Cech claimed with ease.
Referee's performance
Phil Dowd seems to divide opinion among Premier League fans but nobody can have any complaints about his performance today. The game flowed freely, with Dowd employing the advantage rule whenever possible.
What next?
Chelsea: The Blues turn their attention to the UEFA Super Cup on Friday against Atletico Madrid. It will be interesting to see if Roberto Di Matteo rotates his squad for that encounter.
Newcastle: It's won one, lost one for the Magpies. Aston Villa travel to the Sports Direct Arena next weekend.
Liam Apicella
