Timo Werner and Olivier Giroud scored as Thomas Tuchel's unbeaten start as Chelsea manager continued at the expense of Newcastle
Chelsea moved back into the Premier League top four with a simple 2-0 victory over Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge last night. Goals from Timo Werner and Olivier Giroud were enough in the first half for Thomas Tuchel’s side, who were comfortably better than Newcastle for the entire 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge.
Without Callum Wilson up front to carry any threat for Newcastle, the visitors struggled to get into the game at all and didn’t test Kepa Arrizabalaga, who was recalled to the starting line up in place of Edouard Mendy for the home side.
Up front for Chelsea were Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham, the latter of which was taken off with an ankle injury after suffering a heavy challenge from Jamaal Lascelles as he bore down on goal.
Olivier Giroud was sent on to replace the Englishman and was straight on the score sheet as he converted after Karl Darlow palmed away Timo Werner’s dangerous cross. With Newcastle struggling to get into the game in an attacking capacity, Steve Bruce’s side were there for the taking and it was soon 2-0, as Timo Werner got a much needed goal, converting at the far post after a scrappy corner fell his way.
With the game over as a contest at half time, Steve Bruce’s side did come out with slightly more attacking threat in the second half, throwing on Andy Carroll and Joelinton as they chased the game but never really had any clear cut chances to get back into it.
Their best chance came close to the end of the game when Joe Willock climbed high to meet Ryan Fraser’s cross, but Kepa was across to his left to save comfortably.
The defeat leaves Newcastle 17th in the table, just seven points clear of Fulham, who have two winnable games coming up, which means the gap at the bottom of the table could be very, very slim in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Tuchel’s Chelsea moved into fourth and it’s the first time they’ve won a game by more than one goal since the German arrived at Stamford Bridge and they’ll be confident of staying there if they could turn in the type of performance they did at Stamford Bridge last night.
Final score at Stamford Bridge: Chelsea 2-0 Newcastle United.
