Palmer powers Chelsea win as Newcastle fightback falls short

Up in the posh seats, Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali could have been forgiven for thinking that everything is going to turn out just fine. Nicolas Jackson, Chelsea's all-action forward, scored one and gave Newcastle's defenders nightmares. Cole Palmer, a definite contender for signing of the season, dazzled throughout and made another vital contribution.

- Jacob Steinberg

Chelsea                                                      3 
Jackson 6, Palmer 57, Mudryk 76

Newcastle                                                 2
Isak 43, Murphy 90

Yet the crowning moment would belong to Mykhailo Mudryk. Mauricio Pochettino, who has been under so much pressure, erupted with joy when the £89m winger came off the bench to seal a resounding 3-2 win for Chelsea. It was a glorious goal, a wonderful showcase of Mudryk's explosive talent, and Newcastle's hopes of going seventh were done. They remain 10th after a careless display, only a point above a resurgent Chelsea. 

Both sides can point to injuries as a reason for their inconsistent form. The bulletins from the medical staff have rarely delivered good news for Pochettino, although sympathy has been in short supply. Chelsea's fans, unaccustomed to seeing their side languishing in mid-table, have not exactly reacted well. Patience with Pochettino and the hierarchy was in danger of running out before Chelsea rescued a point against Brentford last week.