Palmer’s goal gives Chelsea victory over Newcastle
Cole Palmer’s second-half goal gave Chelsea victory at Stamford Bridge.
Nicolas Jackson put the Blues ahead and Palmer restored the lead after Alexander Isak’s equaliser.
The Blues had a goal disallowed in the third minute when Palmer was ruled offside.
Their intent was obvious in the opening stages – and their opening goal in the 18th minute was of high quality.
From deep inside his own half, Palmer sent Pedro Neto on a dash down the left flank and the Portuguese winger slipped past a couple of defenders before squaring the ball invitingly to Jackson to slot home.
Newcastle responded well from the setback and they levelled in the 32nd minute. #
The hosts failed to deal with a dangerous cross by Lewis Hall, with Isak lurking to turn the ball into the net from close range.
Enzo Maresca’s men started the second half in style, with Palmer netting a minute after the restart.
The England international fastened on to a loose ball in midfield, and strove goal ward before firing a crisp left foot-shot past Newcastle keeper Nick Pope at his near post.
As the Blues chased a third goal, Neto was unlucky to see his header hit the post and substitute Mykhailo Mudryk was thwarted by a smart Pope save.
Eddie Howe’s side caused havoc around the Chelsea goalmouth on a few occasions, while Chelsea had a late penalty claim ruled out by VAR when Magpies’ defender Dan Burn challenged Christopher Nkunku.
Chelsea: Sanchez, Colwill, Neto, Madueke (Mudryk 66), Jackson (Nkunku 77), Palmer, James, Caicedo, Gusto (Cucurella 77), Fofana, Lavia (Fernandez 71)
