Maurizio Sarri hails Chelsea character in Newcastle United win

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has claimed that his side showed character during their 2-1 win over Newcastle United at St James' Park on Sunday.

The Blues enjoyed 81% possession as the away team, but had to bide their time to make the breakthrough and eventually needed an own goal for the victory after Joselu had quickly cancelled out Eden Hazard's opener.

The result maintained Chelsea's perfect start to the season to lift them level on points with Liverpool and Watford, but Sarri insists that it is far too early to look at the Premier League table.

When asked whether his side passed a test of character, Sarri told reporters: "I think so. To win here is difficult for Chelsea — it's difficult for every team here.

"To be drawing five minutes from the end, for us it was more difficult. I think this team, from the character point of view, is a strong team.

"[The table means] nothing, I think, because the honour is after 38 matches, so after three... it's important to start very well, as well as possible, but now the table is not important, I think."

Chelsea will be back in action on Saturday when they host Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.