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.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here