Sterling woes continue as Palmer leaves Chelsea fans in awe with dazzling display
COLE PALMER was the star of the show as Chelsea claimed all three points against Newcastle.
The Blues took the lead at Stamford Bridge in the sixth minute thanks to Nicolas Jackson’s stunning strike from Palmer’s initial low drive.
However, Mauricio Pochettino’s side looked sluggish after scoring again, allowing Newcastle to dominate for large parts.
Alexander Isak’s stunning finesse finish from the edge of the penalty area leveled the scores just before half-time.
But it was star boy Palmer who rose again and fired in a left-footed effort to score his 19th goal of the season.
Mykhailo Mudryk then showed excellent skill and composure to pile more misery on Eddie Howe’s side as he rounded Martin Dubravka and headed home.
Jacob Murphy scored another stunner in the 90th minute, but it proved only a consolation for the Magpies, who went home empty-handed.
Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Chelsea players…
DJORDJE PETROVIC – 6/10
Showed excellent composure on the ball and more quality than we have seen in recent weeks, often getting forward well and closing down attackers, controlling his area well.
However, Alexander Isak’s superbly placed finish into the bottom right corner was unstoppable, nor was Jacob Murphy’s consoling stunner.
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MARC CUCURELLA – 6
The 25-year-old stepped into the tackles brilliantly and looked comfortable going back and forth, although the Spaniard was fortunate not to be booked.
A solid return to the team after a period on the sidelines.
TREVOH CHALOBA – 6
There were ‘Trevoh Baresi’ sounds from the press tonight until he was caught out of position and went in for a missed tackle, allowing Isak to level the score.
He looked a little rusty coming back from a long-term injury, but in the end it was a decent performance.
AXEL DISASI – 7
At 26, the Frenchman was strong at the back and made no real mistakes, but failed to keep a clean sheet.
Was very good on the ball, especially when playing at the back.
MALO GUSTO – 8
Brilliant on the ball for large parts of the match but was caught in possession for Newcastle’s equaliser.
It looked like a threat going forward and defensively strong as usual.
7
7
ENZO FERNANDEZ – 6
Showed good moments in passing and played a very neat ball to Cole Palmer, who did the rest of the work to get him his first assist of the season.
Reminiscent of a more mobile Jorginho in his role as regista today, who Chelsea let go for just £12m…
MOISES CAICEDO – 7
Gave Chelsea’s midfield some bite and bite, which was definitely needed. Interrupted play well, but wasn’t at his best on the ball.
Improved massively in the second half with some good professional fouls which earned him a yellow card.
7
7
CONOR GALLAGHER – 7
So lively again in the number 10 role. Sticking with the tackles that sounded like a goal and propelled his team with relentless pressure and energy, a true captain’s performance.
COLE PALMER – 9
His weak-footed effort on goal was beautifully tapped in and earned him his eighth assist of the season, and he remained a danger in the second half.
His strong-footed attack left Martin Dubravka in awe, as well as the rest of Stamford Bridge.
His 19 goals and assists in the league this season puts him ahead of Arjen Robben, making him the most goal contributions in a season by an under-21 player for Chelsea.
RAHEEM STERLING – 5
We haven’t been able to make a huge impact on the game in the way that Raheem Sterling can.
Received a yellow card for a late challenge on former Chelsea Academy Player of the Year Tino Livramento which gave him a tough evening on the left.
Should have pointed the ball to Palmer when the scores were level, but chose to go around the keeper and failed to score.
7
7
NICHOLAS JACKSON – 8
Started brightly with a stunning back-heel move to put the Blues ahead after Palmer’s shot on target, taking his tally to nine this season.
It could have been ten, as a goal was disallowed for offside.
He worked tirelessly throughout the match and showed excellent ball skills. Unpolished, but better.
SUBS
MYKHAILO MUDRYK (FOR STERLING, 71) – 8
He scored just five minutes after coming on and immediately looked more dangerous than Sterling.
His goal was a flash of the quality you get when you pay a lot of money.
CESARE CASADEI (FOR PALMER, 86) – 6
Didn’t have much time to impress but looked strong in the air and controlled the ball when he got it.
CARNEY CHUKWUEMEKA (FOR JACKSON, 90) – 6
Like Casadei, not much time to make a difference.
Played a nice ball into Mudryk and held it well when needed in the false nine role.