NEWCASTLE (4-2-3-1):

6 Krul: Should have done better with Willian’s goal, but made a fine late save to deny Ramires what would have been a winner

7 Janmaat: Charged up and down the right-hand side all evening and came close with a first-half effort that was saved

6 Mbemba: Looked much more comfortable at centre-half than he had at full-back on Wednesday and handled Remy well

7 Coloccini: A welcome return to form as he led the line impressively and made a number of crucial blocks and tackles

8 Mbabu: A surprise selection as he made his full debut, but more than justified his place as he played with composure and grit

8 Anita: Stationed himself right in front of the back four and provided a valuable shield that helped negate the threat of Hazard

6 Colback: Didn’t look comfortable as he picked up a knock in the first half and was eventually forced off shortly after the interval

6 Sissoko: Flickered into life sporadically, but is still struggling to regain the form he displayed in his early days with Newcastle

8 PEREZ: Converted his opening goal superbly and was a constant threat with his pace and movement troubling Chelsea’s defenders

7 Wijnaldum: Looked much better on the left than he had in the ‘number ten’ role and scored with an excellent glanced header

8 Mitrovic: Made a massive difference as he returned to the side, and proved he can ally restraint to his potent physical threat

 

Subs:

Obertan (for Colback, 53): Was dropped from the side after struggling against Sheffield Wednesday and offered little after he came off the bench 4

Toney (for Mitrovic, 84)

De Jong (for Sissoko, 90)

(not used): Elliot (gk), Williamson, Lascelles, Thauvin.

 

CHELSEA (4-2-3-1):

Begovic 6; Ivanovic 6, Zouma 4, Cahill 7, Azpilicueta 6; Matic 6 (Willian 61, 7), Fabregas 5; Pedro 6, Oscar  5 (RAMIRES 73), Hazard 6; Remy 5 (Falcao 61, 6).

Subs (not used): Blackman (gk), Terry, Mikel, Kenedy.

 

Man Of The Match: AYOZE PEREZ – Newcastle have tried a number of different players in the ‘number ten’ role, but the Spaniard looks by far the neatest fit.