The recent match served as a clear reminder of <a href="http://www.americanosports.com/chelsea-fcs-post-match-reactions-game-analysis-tactical-tweak-and-debut-of-christopher-nkunku-a-chelsea-vs-sheffield-united-review/" title="Chelsea FC's Post-Match Reactions, Game Analysis, Tactical Tweak, and Debut of Christopher Nkunku – A Chelsea vs Sheffield United Review”>Cole Palmer‘s ability to influence the game significantly.
In a closely contested battle, it was the Chelsea star’s skill that made the ultimate difference, frustrating Newcastle as he netted the winning goal after delivering a brilliant pass to set up the home side’s first goal. Gianfranco Zola, observing from the stands, must have been delighted with his display.
Palmer almost opened the scoring in the fourth minute; however, VAR ruled that he was just offside when he tucked the ball into the net. The visitors’ relief was short-lived, as shortly afterward, the England international provided a stunning pass that allowed Pedro Neto to dart down the left flank. Nicolas Jackson then sprinted past Newcastle’s defenders to convert the low cross.
Alexander Isak leveled the match following an impressive team play involving Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, both products of Chelsea’s Cobham academy. Nonetheless, after an engaging first half, Palmer reclaimed the lead for the home side just after halftime with his seventh Premier League goal of the season, slotting the ball past Nick Pope at the near post.
Neto struck the woodwork, Pope made a crucial save from Mykhailo Mudryk, and a penalty awarded for a foul on Christopher Nkunku was annulled following a protracted VAR review. Despite Chelsea’s defensive vulnerabilities, Newcastle still held opportunities for a comeback. Reece James cleared an Isak header off the line, while Sanchez managed to deny Isak after he sought to maneuver around him.
Liam Twomey and Jacob Whitehead analyze the key talking points from Stamford Bridge.
Is Palmer’s pass the best of the season so far?
Livramento likely had an inkling of what was about to unfold when Palmer cast a quick glance over his left shoulder while preparing to receive a ball from Malo Gusto.
Palmer’s notable ability to “scan” the field has disrupted Premier League defenses for over a year, and on this occasion, it opened up an opportunity for a seemingly impossible pass.
Upon touching the ball for the second time, shifting it to his right just outside Chelsea’s penalty area, he knew precisely where Livramento was positioned in relation to the accelerating Neto and the narrow space behind them to place his pass. His brief second look, just before curling the ball around an approaching Joelinton, was merely to confirm the accuracy of his initial assessment.
Palmer supplied a wonderful pass for Neto in the build-up to the opener (Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images)
Could this be the finest pass in the Premier League this season? It may not even be Palmer’s only standout moment.
However, it was undeniably marvelous, transforming a tense defense into a threatening attack within moments. Neto’s incredible speed finished the job, leaving a flailing Livramento behind and making Fabian Schar’s desperate sliding tackle ineffective.
This moment will chiefly be remembered for the composed pace demonstrated by Neto and Jackson, leading to the goal, yet it will soon be overshadowed by Palmer’s subsequent display of brilliance.
Liam Twomey
How significant was Chelsea’s academy in the equaliser?
By the time the first half reached its midway point, Newcastle had gone 470 minutes without scoring from open play.
They struggled for coherence against Chelsea, appearing overly eager and frequently losing possession as they attempted a direct attack. Thus, their equaliser came unexpectedly—and it was shaped by Chelsea’s Cobham academy, with Livramento and Hall winning the Chelsea academy player of the year award in 2021 and 2023, respectively.
Chelsea seemed to have Newcastle cornered, with Schar left with no choice but to play the ball up the line with little hope. Nevertheless, clever interplay between Livramento and Miguel Almiron created an opportunity for Bruno Guimaraes, allowing him to receive the ball in a bit of space—plus, with Sandro Tonali providing cover, Livramento could advance, breaking through the pressure in Chelsea’s midfield.
After being located once more by Joelinton, whose deft turn evaded both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, Livramento passed to Harvey Barnes. Barnes effectively drew Gusto towards him before releasing the overlapping Hall into open space.
Hall discovered an unmarked Isak in the center, who narrowly avoided being caught offside, enabling him to secure his first Premier League assist. This came 14 months after his arrival at Newcastle from Stamford Bridge.
Jacob Whitehead
What caused Newcastle’s difficulty in managing the hosts?
The midfield trio of Newcastle played a significant role in both Chelsea goals, as well as in Palmer’s disallowed effort that occurred early in the match.
This was sometimes apparent: for instance, during Chelsea’s second goal, Isak lost the ball to Lavia, leaving no midfield support to stop Palmer from advancing 20 yards up the field and scoring.
On other occasions, Chelsea’s attackers forced the defense into hasty fouls through their clever positioning. Often, either Jackson or Palmer dropped deep, and without any pressure from Newcastle’s midfield, either Dan Burn or Schar would be drawn out. Neither player possesses significant pace, allowing the attackers to turn them easily, while Chelsea’s off-ball options filled the gaps left by the absent center-backs.
Essentially, Joelinton and Tonali, positioned as Newcastle’s nominal No 8s, do not provide enough attacking contributions to warrant leaving such a void in the defensive midfield.
Chelsea took full advantage of this repeatedly.
Jacob Whitehead
Reece James… playing as a left-back?
So far this season, it appears that Enzo Maresca enjoys surprising opponents and spectators alike with his strategic setup for Chelsea.
Upon the announcement of the line-ups, many assumed that Gusto would take on the inverting left-back role, which had produced mixed results against Liverpool at Anfield. However, it was club captain James who assumed the left position in Chelsea’s back three when in possession, while Gusto shifted into midfield from the right side.
This decision could have been driven by a defensive strategy, as Maresca likely intended for James’ presence to mitigate the threat posed by the left-footed Almiron. Ultimately, the Paraguayan only posed a threat to Sanchez’s goal once during the first half, with a single incisive run and a poorly directed shot; otherwise, he was restricted to less impactful areas of the pitch.
James made a significant defensive impact against Newcastle, particularly in scramble situations, performing crucial actions such as blocking a powerful shot from Tonali in the first half and clearing the ball off his line on two occasions.
From an offensive perspective, James displayed his comfort on the ball and passing abilities, contributing to Chelsea’s buildup play through both the defensive and midfield areas. However, his signature whipped crosses were not as effective, largely due to the limited aerial options available in the team.
Ultimately, the fact that James managed to play through another substantial segment of competitive Premier League action without sustaining any injuries or displaying physical discomfort will be a relief to Maresca and all Chelsea supporters, regardless of his position on the field.
Liam Twomey
What strategies will both teams employ on Wednesday night?
As shown during the early stages of their Europa Conference League campaign, Chelsea has the flexibility to deploy an entirely different starting lineup if Maresca opts to do so.
It would come as no surprise if he decides to tap into those extensive talent reserves. The team that faced Panathinaikos on Thursday had an estimated assembly cost exceeding £500 million ($648 million) in transfer fees, making it reasonable to field some of these players in a Carabao Cup match.
Maresca has also explicitly stated that James, Lavia, and Wesley Fofana will not be expected to start more than twice within a single week for the foreseeable future. Fofana aggravated his left knee once again during this match, and given his injury history, the risk of overstressing him is too high. Fortunately, Maresca has numerous alternatives to mitigate that risk.
Maresca and Jason Tindall on the touchline (Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
In contrast, Newcastle has made the fewest player selections in the Premier League this season.
Tactically, they are in dire need of solutions, especially in midfield, but the available options are quite limited. Joe Willock has not been relied upon in midfield since his appearance against Fulham, and while Sean Longstaff provides defensive solidity, he hampers Newcastle’s attacking potential on the right side. The 18-year-old Lewis Miley has only recently returned to full fitness, making a starting role unlikely.
The absence of Anthony Gordon due to a groin injury, unexpectedly missing on Sunday, adds to their woes.
Liam Twomey and Jacob Whitehead
What did the managers say?
Enzo Maresca commented on Palmer to Sky: “It’s precisely why fans come — they want to witness that type of player. We are thrilled to have him.”
Regarding the team’s performance, he stated: “This match was distinct from others we’ve played. We recognize Newcastle’s strength and quality. We experienced several commendable moments with the ball, so I’m quite pleased overall. We can still improve our attacking and defensive play. However, as we started only three months ago, I’m satisfied with our current position. Importantly, the atmosphere is positive. The players are grasping our objectives daily. Fans can relish and dream. As a club and players, we acknowledge the many areas where we can enhance.”
Eddie Howe, when asked if Newcastle merited a point, responded: “I believed we did, given the character displayed in our comeback. There were numerous positives, with plenty of commendable football. While chasing the game, we seemed just moments away from finding the net. Ultimately, we failed to defend adequately in critical areas, which has been lacking. I felt our positive movements could have led to more goals.”
Regarding potential changes for the Carabao Cup match against Chelsea on Wednesday, he mentioned: “We are likely not in a position to make as many alterations as we would prefer. We’ll strive to make the right choices for both matches, aiming to progress as far as possible.”
What next?
As stated earlier, these teams will face off again on Wednesday, October 30, when Chelsea visits St James’ Park for the round of 16 in the Carabao Cup (7.45pm UK, 3.45pm ET).
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(Top photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
