Chelsea player ratings vs Newcastle: Cole Palmer produces masterclass but duo handed 5/10

Chelsea recorded their second home victory of the season as Enzo Maresca’s men secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Newcastle at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Cole Palmer saw his early goal chalked off by VAR before he helped set up the opener as Nicolas Jackson put the Blues in front. But Alexander Isak prodded home from close range to get Newcastle back level.

Just two minutes after the break, Palmer beat Nick Pope at the near post to restore their advantage. The hosts missed several chances to make sure of the points and saw a late penalty was chalked off, as they held on despite a late surge from Newcastle.

Express Sport analyses the Chelsea player ratings from the game in west London.

Robert Sanchez 6

His distribution remains a big concern given how often he gifted possession to Newcastle, but the Spaniard made some decent stops. Couldn’t do much to stop the goal.

Reece James 8

Made his second consecutive start for the first time since November 2023, this time as a makeshift left-back in the hybrid role. Didn’t get much of the ball in the first half, but kept Miguel Almiron fairly quiet. Made three goal-saving clearances off the line to keep the Blues in front – and played like a true captain to prove Maresca wrong.

Wesley Fofana 6

Appear to injure his strapped left knee after a rash challenge on Alexander Isak, but soldiered on. Strong block to deny Harvey Barnes, but played Isak onside for the leveller. Booked.

Levi Colwill 6

Lucky to escape punishment for a clear foul on Bruno Guimaraes on the edge of the box. Then was caught ball-watching as Isak ghosted in behind to equalise. Improved in the second half and denied Isak a second late on.

Malo Gusto 6

Surprisingly deployed as a right-back despite playing on the left against Liverpool. Wasn’t proactive enough to stop Hall for the opener, though, and neglected his defensive duties on a number of occasions.

Moises Caicedo 7

The Ecuadorian keeps Chelsea ticking, whether it’s cutting out passes or starting the counterattack. He’s thriving in this box-to-box role and showing Enzo Fernandez how it’s done with his pressing and incisive passing.

Romeo Lavia 7

Not a nervous bone in his body despite the fact he’s only 20. Happy to slow things down in midfield and pass through the lines, which he made look very easy with his accurate passing. Booked.

Cole Palmer 8 – MAN OF THE MATCH

His early goal was ruled out for a marginal offside after another composed finish. Didn’t let that get him down as he played one of the passes of the season to put in Neto and then fired home his seventh of the season to make it 2-1. A magnificent player to watch and surely the best in the Premier League right now.

Noni Madueke 5

When he’s scoring, it’s difficult to argue against Madueke staying in the team. But the winger exposed Gusto by refusing to track back and that allowed Lewis Hall to cross for Isak to score. Fairly wasteful with the ball and replaced on 67 minutes. Booked.

Pedro Neto 7

Demonstrated his value with blistering pace to skip Dan Burn’s challenge and set up Jackson for an easy finish. That’s his second assist in the space of three days, then hit the post with a header. The Portuguese is improving with every week.

Nicolas Jackson 7

Showed some lovely touches and an willingness to drive forward with the ball. That was a prelude to his opening goal, as he slotted home the opener and his sixth of the season. His incessant work rate is the reason why Christopher Nkunku is still on the bench.

Substitutes

Mykhaylo Mudryk (on 67′) 6

Given some crucial minutes to pick up where he left off against Panathinaikos. Had a chance to finish the game but saw his effort blocked by Pope.

Enzo Fernandez (on 72′) 5

Had a point to prove after losing his place to Lavia but struggled to get stuck in and misplaced a few passes.

Christopher Nkunku (on 78′) 6

The Frenchman had a lively cameo, winning a penalty that was overturned by VAR. Booked.

Marc Cucurella (on 78′) N/A