Kai Havertz’s late winner earned Chelsea a 1-0 win over Newcastle in their first game at Stamford Bridge since Roman Abramovich was sanctioned.
The German finished Jorginho’s stunning pass, bailing out the hosts after a below-par performance in a strange atmosphere in west London.
Dan Kilpatrick was at Stamford Bridge to rate the Chelsea players...
Edouard Mendy 7
Composed when called upon and made a sharp save to deny Miguel Almiron in first-half stoppage-time.
Trevoh Chalobah 6
Playing as an auxiliary right-back, he was perhaps lucky not to concede a penalty for a trip on Jacob Murphy.
Antonio Rudiger 7
Even playing in a back two, still looked to burst forward when possible. Imposing and belligerent as usual.
Andreas Christensen 7
Dealt well with the physical presence of Chris Wood in a solid performance.
Malang Sarr 5
Not always comfortable defensively and offered little in the way of attacking threat. Tuchel appeared frustrated by his display and no surprise when he was hooked.
Jorginho 8
Stunning pass to set up Havertz for the game’s decisive moment.
N’Golo Kante 7
Full of energy and busy at both ends of the pitch. One of Chelsea’s better performers.
Mason Mount 6
Whipped a freekick into the side netting in the first-half but quiet on the ball by his standards.
Hakim Ziyech 6
Failed to sparkle against a well-drilled Newcastle side but did create Chelsea’s best chance before the goal, a cross which Havertz headed straight at the goalkeeper.
Kai Havertz 8
Responsible for Chelsea’s best moments and grabbed a well-taken late goal. Also saw an effort palmed onto the bar late on. A threat.
Timo Werner 6
Thought he had won a penalty with his last action but, predictably, flagged offside. Failed to really threaten.
Subs
Romelu Lukaku (Werner 63’) 6
Did not have a chance of note in another frustrating cameo.
Mateo Kovacic (Mount 63’) 7
Helped Chelsea look more threatening in the final third.
Christian Pulisic (Sarr 78’) 6
Played the final 15 minutes at right wing-back but could not get behind Newcastle’s back line.
