Analysis: Newcastle

Newcastle lined up in a 4-2-3-1 system and were the aggressors at St James’ Park. They began the game with considerable intensity, pressing high to force mistakes from Chelsea.

Dwight Gayle was ready to set off the first line of pressure against Chelsea’s back three, with Ayoze Perez offering support. Jonjo Shelvey and Mo Diame in turn stepped higher to press midfielders Tiemoue Bakayoko, Ross Barkley and N’Golo Kante. This forced the visitors to play direct to Olivier Giroud, but Jamaal Lascelles coped well against his aerial threat.

In possession, it was Shelvey who immediately took control in midfield and dictated the rhythm of Newcastle’s attacks. As he took up good positions behind Eden Hazard, Chelsea’s midfielders were drawn out of position, thereby creating space for Perez to occupy the number 10 role.

Shelvey exploited the laboured pressing and defensive work from Chelsea in the centre of the park, and often played penetrative passes through the midfield line. Diame was also key; when Chelsea intercepted Shelvey’s forward passes, he was fast to press. This resulted in opportunities in the final third, and helped to prevent counter-attacking opportunities for the away side.

Gayle was effective in occupying Chelsea’s back line and stretching play, allowing space for Perez. Matt Ritchie and Jacob Murphy additionally worked hard to move in behind the Blues’ wing-backs, resulting in Cesar Azpilicueta and Gary Cahill getting dragged out to defend in wider areas.

Newcastle began lower and more compact in the second half, falling into a defensive 4-4-2 structure as Chelsea tried to take initiative in possession. The Magpies worked hard to stop space opening up and looked to relieve pressure through counter-attacks.

A second goal came after a quick transition and run in behind by Murphy, whose cross was poorly cleared by Bakayoko. Shelvey occupied a good covering position to pick up the clearance, with his shot turned in by Perez.

The hosts maintained their momentum, and within five minutes they had made it three. Perez aggressively pressed Hazard, eventually winning a free-kick. Florian Lejeune was left unmarked at the far post to secure the three points.

The speed of pressure and aggression of Rafa Benitez’s side to win second balls and clearances was a common theme. Newcastle were quicker to loose balls and more assertive when in defensive shape, rarely allowing Chelsea to establish themselves in the game.