Newcastle United 0-3 Chelsea: 5 Talking points as James brace secures away win for The Blues | Premier League 2021-22

#3 Chelsea allowed no space to Newcastle's attackers

Newcastle United vs Chelsea - Premier League

Chelsea have thrived in a three-at-the-back system, and have turned their defence into a strength. Having two attack-minded full-backs could be a problem for teams. But the presence of N'Golo Kante and Jorginho in the middle provides great cover for James and Ben Chilwell's decisive runs.

Against Newcastle, The Blues operated fluidly. Despite Chelsea having just three players at the back for most of the game, they were solid defensively. Antonio Rudiger also joined in the attack on a couple of occasions.

Newcastle's best chances came from set-pieces. They had just 20% possession, and could manage only a single shot on target all game.

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#2 Chelsea's Edouard Mendy registered another clean sheet

Edouard Mendy has been one of the most consistent goalkeepers in Europe this season.

Chelsea were without some of their best-attacking players for the game. Romelu Lukaku, Mason Mount and Timo Werner were all missing from the teamsheet. So the defenders had to be on the top of their game, and they did not disappoint.

Thiago Silva, Rudiger and Andreas Christensen provided a good cover to Edouard Mendy, who only had to face a single shot on target all game.

This was the seventh clean sheet for the reigning Champions League winners. Chelsea now have the best defensive record across Europe's top five leagues, with only Napoli at par with them, having conceding only three goals in ten games.

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#1 Reece James delivered a match-winning performance

Newcastle United vs Chelsea - Premier League

Reece James delivered a great second-half performance. He scored not one but two great goals to give Chelsea a two-goal lead.

Hudson-Odoi was the architect of the first goal. His cross deflected into the way of James, who took a touch to bring the ball onto his left foot before unleashing an unstoppable strike into the back of the bet.

Just 12 minutes later, James found the back of the net again from a similar position. He was at the end of another rebound, and hammered in another powerful strike into the back of the net.

James has now made six goal contributions across competitions for the Blues this season.

With three league strikes, he is Chelsea's top goalscorer in the competition this season. James will hope to build on that as the season progresses.