Chelsea 5-1 Newcastle: Five Talking Points

Guus Hiddink recorded his first league victory at Stamford Bridge since his return as five-star Chelsea continued their resurgence with a thumping victory over Newcastle. Speaking pre-match, Steve McLaren described the first twenty minutes of the game as very crucial. The message, however, was lost on his players who conceded three goals within the first 17 minutes.Costa opened the scoring after a sublime pass by Willian before Pedro pounced on a loose Rolando Aarons pass to sprint past Janmaat and double Chelsea’s lead. Costa then returned the favour to Willian, reaching Fabregas’ delightful ball. Chelsea could have further extended the lead with Ivanovic and Pedro seeing goal-bound efforts blocked in the first half. After the restart, Chelsea picked up from where they left off as Pedro latched on to a brilliant Fabregas long ball to score his second. Bertrand Traore rounded off the scoring after pouncing onto a superb Azpilicueta cross. Eden Hazard did not score or assist but came close at the end when he latched onto another Fabregas long ball before fluffing his lines. Townsend completed the scoring with a consolation in stoppage time.Despite the positive result, John Terry had to leave the field in the first half after a clash with Mitrovic and is doubtful for the crucial midweek clash against PSG.

#1 Chelsea\'s attackers back in form

Diego Costa scored his 8th goal in 10 games under Guus Hiddink

This was more like the Chelsea of 2014/15. Clinical, ruthless, efficient and enjoyable to watch. The Blues pressed forward and constantly opened up the Magpies defence at will, finding time and space all over the pitch.

Diego Costa continued his resurgence with his 8th goal in 10 games under Guus Hiddink. The Brazilian-born forward clearly has found his mojo, constantly troubling centre-backs with his movement and presence.

Costa made a fine run past Steven Taylor to loop the ball past Elliot for Chelsea’s first goal. He then made an interception, passed the ball to Fabregas before outpacing Coloccini to the return ball and then set up Willian for the third goal with a brilliant pass.

He has returned to form at just the right time as Chelsea look towards mounting an assault at two cup competitions.

Costa’s partner-in-crime, Cesc Fabregas, has also rediscovered his old self as he put in another powerhouse performance in the middle of the park. Always available in possession, the Spaniard continued his habit of making inch-perfect long balls look ridiculously easy.

Fabregas’ ability to dictate the game was what he was signed for and this was no exception.

Willian was outstanding as always, the Brazilian international has been a real revelation this season as he has finally added an end product to his game. Eden Hazard had his usual fancy flicks and passing range, but he took a back seat in his game and was content to let others dictate play.

It was a decent performance but he is still nowhere near what he is capable of, yet. Pedro, despite a few iffy moments, showed his worth as well with two goals alongside a tremendous work rate.

Pedro is a goal scorer, and apart from Costa, there don’t seem to be many of those currently in the Chelsea team. Indeed, despite his lack of confidence recently, Pedro took his two goals like a pro. He arguably deserves to start over Hazard against PSG midweek.

#2 Chelsea\'s depth tested with two big games looming

Oscar's injury has further depleted Chelsea's reserves

After Kurt Zouma’s injury and Nemanja Matic’s suspension for the first leg against PSG, Chelsea have two more potential worries to add to the list as Oscar failed to make the starting XI with a calf complaint while John Terry had to be forced off in the first half due to a hamstring problem.

If the latter two are also deemed unfit for the midweek trip to Paris, Chelsea would be looking at a very weak bench for that game. In central midfield, Ruben Loftus-Cheek would represent the only realistic cover and his defensive abilities are still not trusted by Guus.

However, despite the injury to Radamel Falcao and lack of match fitness in Alexandre Pato, Chelsea are still well stocked in the wings and forward department with Kenedy, Loic Remy and Bertrand Traore good enough to deputize if needed.

Hiddink would want Oscar to be fit as the Brazilian’s pressing and tackling abilities would be useful in shackling Verratti and Thiago Motta, while John Terry’s ability, experience and leadership makes him an obvious pick.

With only two days of rest for the PSG match and a testing clash against Manchester City in the FA Cup to follow the next weekend, the next 7 days are crucial for the Blues.

#3 Newcastle\'s away misery continues

Newcastle's dismal run away from home continued in this game

2 wins, 1 draw, 10 defeats, 7 goals scored, 31 goals conceded- Newcastle have been absolutely abysmal away from St.James’s Park this season.

Having previously endured a 6-1 drubbing against Manchester City and a demoralizing 5-1 defeat against Crystal Palace, the Magpies failed to perform at Stamford Bridge and the final scoreline flattered the visitors.

With the money influx next season into the Premier League, Mike Ashley opened his checkbook to sign top players such as Andros Townsend and Jonjo Shelvey this past transfer window.

While both have improved Newcastle’s goal threat, they have not helped in alleviating the defensive problems plaguing the side. Chelsea found it all too easy to get past the midfield and attack the backline. The defenders also failed to cover themselves in glory, routinely failing to pick up their runners and lacking any defensive nous whatsoever.

To compound their misery, Newcastle routinely shot themselves in the foot by carelessly giving the ball away in dangerous areas.

Pedro pounced on a loose pass to make it 2-0 while Jonjo Shelvey nearly gifted Pedro another soon after. It’s going to be a tough road to avoid relegation for them.

#4 John Terry\'s injury leads to a defensive reshuffle

Hiddink hinted at a minor hamstring injury to Terry

Following Kurt Zouma’s season-ending injury, Guus Hiddink recalled Gary Cahill into the starting lineup for this match alongside John Terry. The captain was playing his 699th league game for Chelsea but had to be forced off after coming off worse from a tangle with Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Hiddink hinted post-match that Terry might have a minor hamstring injury.

Left with only one choice, Hiddink brought on a young fullback, Baba Rahman. The Ghanian has been on the fringes after failing to impress in his initial stint. This forced a reshuffle on the defence.

Cesar Azpilicueta had to go over to right back (his original position) while Branislav Ivanovic partnered Cahill at the heart of the defence. Despite a few early jitters, Baba Rahman acquitted himself well and had a good outing.

Baba is still 21 years old and learning his trade in a new country, and performances like this will no doubt help him establish himself in the team. Meanwhile, free of the shackles of a right footer at left back, Azpilicueta bombed forward and played some brilliant crosses towards Costa.

His prime moment was a lovely one-two with Eden Hazard before putting in a brilliant first-time cross for Bertrand Traore. Having two natural fullbacks offered Chelsea some real width that has been a rarity in recent seasons.

Finally, Branislav Ivanovic looked more comfortable with the cover at centre back, and suggested that going forward, a return back to his former position might be the best course of action.

Perhaps in games where Chelsea are expected to dominate, Chelsea should utilise Baba Rahman at the left more.

#5 Nemanja Matic shows an improvement

Nemanja Matic put in a good performance yesterday

Restored into the starting lineup ahead of John Obi Mikel, Nemanja Matic put in a top performance similar to what we saw in his first 12-18 months as a Chelsea player.

Constantly nicking possession and keeping control, Matic seems to be the ideal modern day DM, someone who has the defensive steel of the old but combines it with fine distribution and technical ability.

Matic, however, has not been as good this season as the Chelsea team have been under the cosh. Looking laboured and lost on the field, the Serbian has endured a wretched season.

However, in games like yesterday where Chelsea dominated, Matic was the better option over Mikel and proved so and would hope to build on this to boost his confidence.

Given that Chelsea are still not out of the woods yet, John Obi Mikel might still be the better choice going forward as he provides consistency in the position and shores up the defence.

Matic still has to find his groove in big games but the signs are getting better, and till then Mikel is an able deputy.