An Alvaro Morata header was sandwiched by a brace from Eden Hazard as Chelsea eased to a 3-1 win over Newcastle at Stamford Bridge.
Victor Moses provided an assist and won a penalty which Hazard converted as the Premier League champions recovered from going 1-0 down to retaliate with three goals of their own.
Here, we rate the Chelsea players.
CHELSEA
THIBAUT COURTOIS: Didn’t have much to do apart from conceding the opener. Came off his line, albeit rather slowly, to smother Murphy’s attempt from a weak back pass but conceded as the loose ball fell to Dwight Gayle to roll into an empty net. 5
CESAR AZPILICUETA: Whipped in a dangerous delivery that led to the equaliser. Saw plenty of the ball on the right. Solid in defence. 6
ANTONIO RUDIGER: Played a good ball over the defence which Morata should’ve done better with. Made some good tackles at the back. 7
ANDREAS CHRISTENSEN: Composed with the ball at his feet. Should’ve been stronger to win the header against Gayle that led to the goal. Had a great header denied by the post. 7
VICTOR MOSES: Great cross for Morata’s goal. Constant threat down the right and won the penalty for Hazard’s second. 8
DANNY DRINKWATER: Industrious effort in the middle of the park. Did well to cover for Marcos Alonso when the wing-back pushed forward. 7
EDEN HAZARD: Great touch and shot that produced a superb save from Darlow in the first half. Always popped up in dangerous areas and scuffed home the loose ball for the equaliser. Cheeky penalty for his second and should really have completed his hat-trick but was denied by Darlow again. 9
King of the Castle: Hazard loves to face The Magpies
N’GOLO KANTE: Great ball from which Christensen hit the post. Plugged the massive space in midfield as the rest pushed forward. 7
CESC FABREGAS: Superb distribution. his ball over the top for Hazard which Darlow saved was exquisite. 7
MARCOS ALONSO: Was at fault for a weak back pass that led to the opener. Got forward a lot but couldn’t find a killer ball. 5
ALVARO MORATA: Fluffed his lines with a couple of good chances early on. Buried his header for the second and linked up well with Hazard and Fabregas in particular. 7
Eden Hazard
SUBSTITUTES
GARY CAHILL: (for Christensen 83′): Had an easy ride when he came on. Wasn’t tested. 6
TIEMOUE BAKAYOKO (for Fabregas 78′): Stroked around a few passes and maintained control. 6
WILLIAN (for Hazard 78′): Couldn’t make an impact in attack with the sting taken out of the game. 6