Chelsea

James nets two thunderbolts as Chelsea continue winning run at Newcastle

Reece James Chelsea

Reece James scored two powerful strikes against Newcastle as Chelsea made it six straight wins in all competitions.

The England defender was joined by Jorginho on the scoresheet in a straightforward 3-0 victory for Thomas Tuchel’s side. The win moved them up to 25 points from ten matches, while it left Newcastle languishing in the relegation zone.

Tuchel made three changes as Cesar Azpilicueta, N’Golo Kante and Hakim Ziyech returned to the starting lineup. He was without last week’s hat-trick hero, Mason Mount, due to illness. Kai Havertz started up front as Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku remain out through injury.

Graeme Jones, meanwhile, named the same team which drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace last time out. The caretaker boss was nearly rewarded for his continued faith in Ryan Fraser just two minutes in.

The winger was sent down the left flank after some nice work from Callum Wilson. A dangerous cross was drilled in but no Newcastle player was there to convert.

Chelsea grew into the game over the next ten minutes after a slow start. Magpies midfielder Isaac Hayden was shown a yellow card for a bad tackle on Andreas Christensen.

Ziyech thought he had opened the scoring for Chelsea with 29 minutes gone. The 28-year-old was picked out by Jorginho in Newcastle’s box. He took one touch before bending a great effort into the far corner.

The goal was ruled out as Ziyech was a yard or two offside when Jorginho’s pass was played. Chelsea should have opened the scoring shortly before the interval. James sent in a cross which Havertz failed to connect with. Ziyech was on hand at the back post but blazed his volley over.

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Ziyech continued to pose a threat in the second half. The Moroccan turned away from his marker before firing at goal in the 48th minute. A big deflection off Jamaal Lascelles wrong-footed Karl Darlow, only for the ball to slam against the post.

The managers then looked to change things up with two substitutions each. Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ross Barkley came on for Chelsea, while Miguel Almiron and Joe Willock emerged for the home side.

The visitors finally broke the deadlock in the 65th minute thanks to wing-back James. Callum Hudson-Odoi raced down the left before putting a delightful ball in.

Newcastle’s Matt Ritchie headed it upwards before it fell into James’ path. He took one touch and proceeded to fire a left-footed drive into the top corner.

James makes it two

Tuchel’s men, who were already comfortable at St James’ Park, then started to play the ball with even more confidence. Newcastle were reduced to mere bystanders.

James secured his brace with another piledriver 12 minutes later. Loftus-Cheek’s shot from the edge of the box was blocked, sending Darlow to the floor. The ball came out to James who rocketed into the top corner again, this time on his favoured right foot.

The points were all wrapped up soon after as Jorginho confidently dispatched of a spot-kick. Havertz was brought down by Darlow in the box after getting to the ball first.

Jorginho, who has been nominated for the Ballon d’Or, sent his effort straight down the middle with power.

READ MORE: ‘I’m happy here’ – Key Chelsea man relaxed about future amid exit rumours

Chelsea Reece James

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