Havertz’s brilliant late goal gives Chelsea victory
Kai Havertz’s brilliant last-minute goal gave Chelsea victory and lifted the gloom over Stamford Bridge.
Havertz showed wonderful composure to control Jorginho’s chip over the Newcastle defence and steer his shot past keeper Martin Dubravka.
Rejuvenated Newcastle caused Chelsea problems and went close to taking a first-half lead when keeper Edouard Mendy pushed away Miguel Almirón’s volley and the loose ball was blasted over by Fabian Schar.
Chelsea were also arguably fortunate not be reduced to 10 men when Havertz caught former Fulham defender Dan Burn with an elbow seven minutes before half-time.
And there was another let-off early in the second half when Newcastle were denied a penalty after Trevoh Chalobah pulled down Jacob Murphy.
Timo Werner squandered a great chance for Chelsea when his touch let him down after he found himself through on goal.
Romelu Lukaku, again a substitute, made very little impact for the hosts after he came on.
But Havertz again showed why he has been leading Chelsea’s attack, scoring for the sixth time in seven appearances to secure the points and a fourth consecutive Blues win – as Thomas Tuchel’s side continue to deliver results despite the club’s off-field woes.
Havertz almost scored again in the final seconds when his effort was pushed on to the bar by Dubravka.
Chelsea: Mendy; Chalobah, Christensen, Rudiger, Sarr (Pulisic 83), Kante, Jorginho, Ziyech, Mount (Kovacic 63), Werner (Lukaku 63), Havertz.
Subs not used: Kepa, Silva, Alonso, Barkley, Loftus-Cheek, Saul.
