Report card: Chelsea's faith in small forwards has big payoff in B- display vs Newcastle

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  • Goals from Pedro and Willian helped guide Chelsea to a 2-1 win over Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday.

    The Spaniard opened the scoring in the ninth minute at Stamford Bridge before Ciaran Clark equalised from a corner five minutes before the break.

    Willian then scored what proved to be the winner with an excellent strike in the 57th minute.

    Here, we grade the performances of both sides in our report card.

    THE GOOD 

    For Chelsea – The long game

    Chelsea were always going to enjoy the lion’s share of possession at home to Newcastle and to their credit, they were patient with their build-up play. They moved the ball from side to side with the centre-backs stepping up into midfield to get involved as well. By gradually drawing Newcastle out, the distribution of David Luiz would then come to the fore as he sprayed long balls forward, picking out the runs in behind of Pedro on a number of occasions.

    For Newcastle – Recovery

    After conceding inside nine minutes at the Bridge, it would’ve been easy for the visitors to collapse but they showed resilience in their ability to consolidate before drawing level as well. Even after they went behind again, they rarely afforded the Blues clear-cut chances.

    THE BAD

    For Chelsea – Weak defending

    Despite dominating possession, Chelsea are always likely to concede. A simple direct ball in or around their penalty area often leaves them scrambling. The marking for the corner that Newcastle scored from was poor with Luiz allowing Ciaran Clark to get away from him. However, they could easily have conceded even before that with Luiz again beaten in the air against Salomon Rondon whose flick-on couldn’t be dispatched by Ayoze Perez.

    Chelsea concede again.

    Chelsea concede again.

    For Newcastle – Backing off

    Containment was always going to be Newcastle’s priority and they largely did that well. Knowing when to back off and when to push up is key though and they got that all wrong. They stood off Hazard well but should’ve closed down at times in midfield. Backing off Willian inside their box proved costly as the Brazilian scored the winner.

    TACTICAL TALKING POINT 

    Sarri opts against a No9

    It’s no secret that Sarri isn’t wholly impressed by the strikers he has at his disposal, a suspicion confirmed by his regular deployment of Hazard as a false nine. However, against a Newcastle side expected to defend deep, the common consensus is that a target man in the box could at least aid an aerial assault with little room in behind the defence but Olivier Giroud could only manage a place on the bench.

    Sarri instead used the mobility and technical ability of his three small forwards to create space beyond the back-line. They would regularly drop off, exchanging passes with the midfielders and slowly luring the Magpies away from their deep line, occasionally creating the opportunity for one of them to dart in behind.

    Pedro

    GRADING 

    For Chelsea: B-

    Sarri’s team selection stayed true to his philosophy but it felt like Hazard was sacrificed for the greater good. Not ideal when he’s by far their best player. Meanwhile, defensive vulnerability is still a huge concern.

    For Newcastle: C

    In truth, escaping a thumping in itself was an accomplishment. Rafa Benitez set his side up well and may have earned a draw with a little more quality.

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