LONDON: Marcus Alonso scored the only goal as Chelsea beat Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday to make it five successive victories in all competitions.
After winning just two of their opening eight games under Frank Lampard, the Blues are beginning to find their stride.
“Credit to Newcastle,” said Lampard after the game. “You can see why they have had a couple of big results this year. They’re organised, have men behind the ball and are a threat on the counter-attack.”
Only change in squad
Lampard made only one change to his line-up that started at Southampton two weeks ago. N’Golo Kante’s injury paved the way for Ross Barkley, who came in although he did not last the first half.
“In the first half, we created a couple of chances. We were a bit safe, a bit slow. We did move the ball from side to side but didn’t get the success,” added Lampard.
The former Chelsea captain praised Christian Pulisic, who was introduced with half-an-hour to play and for Hudson-Odoi.
“I’m pleased for Christian. He is a hot topic because of the price tag and his status with his national team,” said Lampard. “But everyone has got carried away with the short term, and the long term is he has come here. He has just turned 21 and good to see him play like he did today.”
Tottenham held by Watford
Tottenham narrowly avoided an embarrassing home defeat to bottom club Watford while Leicester leapfrogged champions Manchester City.
With leaders Liverpool not in action until Sunday, it was a chance for the chasing pack to press their credentials for top-four spots.
Youri Tielemans sealed a 2-1 victory for Leicester over Burnley at the King Power Stadium.
But Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino saw his side labour to a 1-1 draw, following a 3-0 thrashing at Brighton and a humiliating 7-2 defeat at home to Bayern Munich.
