Salomon Rondon backs Newcastle United tactics against Chelsea

Newcastle United forward Salomon Rondon has backed his side's defensive tactics against Chelsea on Sunday, despite losing 2-1 at St James' Park.

Eden Hazard scored a penalty to put his side ahead before substitute Joselu equalised for the hosts, but Newcastle's efforts were cancelled out by a late own goal from DeAndre Yedlin to give Maurizio Sarri's side all three points.

Rafael Benitez's team recorded a low 19% possession against the Blues, but summer signing Rondon has insisted that the Magpies still displayed a positive performance.

"When you play against teams like this, you try not to concede goals. We did that in the first half, but in the second, we conceded a penalty and an own goal then they get the three points," Rondon told reporters after the game.

"I'm happy to make my first start, but it's a shame because we lost the game. We lost to a big team with big players.

"But we did work very well. That's all we can do in that moment - try our best."

Newcastle will travel to Premier League champions Manchester City in their next league game on Saturday.