Chelsea v Newcastle player ratings

Chelsea stormed to a 5-1 victory over a hapless Newcastle side. Here’s how we rated the players in a one-sided game at Stamford Bridge.

Thibaut Courtois: 7
A quiet day that was marred somewhat by the late Andros Townsened goal, for which he was blameless. Caught confidently and used the ball with good haste and effectively.

Branislav Ivanovic: 8
Had few problems at right-back against a woeful Newcastle attack and looked solid when he switched inside, but he was barely tested.

Gary Cahill: 7
A couple of miscued clearances and nervy moments showed his lack of match sharpness. But he was committed and positive and made several important clearances and interceptions.

John Terry: 7
Was his normal calm and composed self until a tangle with Aleksandar Mitrovic led to him being replaced. He will be a huge loss against Paris Saint-Germain if he fails to recover from his hamstring problem.

Cesar Azpilicueta: 8
Chelsea’s best defender in both defence and attack. Never in trouble in his own penalty box and always available in attack. Looked more comfortable than he often does with the ball, particularly when he moved to right-back – as was shown by his astute run and cross for Bertrand Traore’s goal.

Nemanja Matic: 7
Solid and did his job with the minimum of fuss, providing the platform to allow the attacking talent to play with such freedom.

Cesc Fabregas: 8
Effortlessly brilliant at times, finding space where there seemingly wasn’t any, but the opposition has to be taken in to account on this occasion. A fine pass helped create Willian’s goal and an even better through-ball laid on Pedro’s second goal. He stood out, albeit with the game won inside 10 minutes.

Eden Hazard: 7
A good display from the Belgian, but no fireworks to match the pre-match entertainment. Crucially he got more game time under his belt and also played his part in setting up Traore’s goal with a clever first-time pass in behind for Azpilicueta. He should have scored late on, only to make a pig’s ear of a glorious one-on-one chance.

Willian: 8
Willing, effective and threatening. An impressive late sprint in to the box earned his goal and his movement alongside the equally elusive Pedro was vital in supporting Diego Costa and causing almost constant panic in the away defence.

Pedro: 9
The Spaniard continued the encouraging form he showed in his cameo against Manchester United, with his best performance for Chelsea. Took both his goals with a poise he has rarely shown and was busy, dangerous and confident throughout. He did miss a very simple chance before the break, but that aside he was excellent.

Diego Costa: 8
A fine all-round display. Costa’s intelligent running off the ball was a key factor in a dominant victory. Took his goal with typical calmness, laid on Willian’s goal and also teed up a great chance which Pedro wasted.

Baba Rahman: 7
Replaced Terry in the first half and although he had little to do defensively, he was solid when tested and was direct in attack.

Bertrand Traore: 7
Looked full of desire and running and scored an excellent goal – his first in the Premier League – after a smart near-post run.