October 30, (THEWILL) – At St James’s Park on Saturday, English Premier League leaders Chelsea defeated winless Newcastle United 3-0 at St James’ Park thanks to a brilliant second-half performance.
Reece James scored two goals and Jorginho scored a penalty in 16 second-half minutes to put the game out of reach for the struggling hosts.
Although Newcastle started with the same lineup that earned a point against Crystal Palace, they showed little forward intent from the outset, with only one attempt on target.
Hakim Ziyech, who could and should have opened the scoring on several occasions, was one of Chelsea’s most frustrated players in the first 45 minutes.
On 64 minutes, James was allowed the time and space to cut back onto his left foot and fire home after Callum Hudson-Odoi’s cross was cleared as far as him in the box.
Chelsea’s second goal came ten minutes later, as replacements Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek teed up James to smash home past Karl Darlow.
The third goal came from the penalty spot after Kai Havertz was brought down in the box by Darlow, and Jorginho made no mistake to put Chelsea three points clear at the top after Liverpool drop points against Brighton and Hove Albion, while Newcastle dropped to 19th.
Newcastle are next in action against Brighton and Hove Albion on the road in the Premier League next Saturday. Chelsea take on Malmo in the Champions League in their next outing on Tuesday.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
