Chelsea player ratings vs Newcastle: James excellent,…

Chelsea player ratings vs Newcastle: James excellent, Mount and Hudson-Odoi poor in 1-0 loss

Chelsea missed the chance to open up an eight-point lead in fourth as they were beaten by Newcastle United on Saturday evening.

The Blues were given a major boost ahead of kick-off with Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal both dropping points earlier in the day, whilst Manchester United face Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield.

But despite dominating possession, the visitors were hit with an Isaac Hayden sucker punch right at the death to lose their first game of 2020.

Below is how we rated the players at St James' Park.

Kepa Arrizabalaga

One time in the first half came out well to claim a cross. Joelinton's header that hit the bar was the closest that the Magpies came in the first half.

Had nothing to do in the second half except pick the ball out of his net right at the death. 5

Reece James

An excellent first half again, seeing a lot of the ball and putting in a superb pass for N'Golo Kante's one chance. A tough time on occasions against Allan Saint-Maximin.

Didn't get as much of a chance in the second half to show what he could do, and a real worry that he had to limp off. 8

Antonio Rudiger

A strong presence at the back, however he gave the ball away a couple of times which gave Newcastle a decent opportunity on a few ocassions.

Massive at the end however, that the Blues were able to concede that last-minute goal. Could have moved the ball quicker, as well. 5

Andreas Christensen

Was very physical up against Joelinton at times, winning possession well and not shying away from the headers. Could have done more with the ball in the first half.

Continued that in the second half with a really good showing at the back. Gutting to concede late and the defence comes into question again. 7

Cesar Azpilicueta

A couple of nice runs forward, but didn't really involve much going forward in the first half. Miguel Almiron had a bit of joy against him, with the danger coming from Newcastle's right.

Didn't really add much threat. One decent shot from distance, but didn't trouble the keeper too much. Solid defensively. 5

N'Golo Kante

Had the best chance of the game when he fired into Martin Dubravka. A lot of effort on the right of midfield and some excellent tackles, lacked some quality at times.

Tried to orchestrate some breaks through the middle, however the final pass just wasn't there by the midfielder. 6

Jorginho

Needed to up the tempo in the first half, with Newcastle willing to give him the ball deep and not allow him to cut through with passes.

In the second half as well the tempo was just too slow. He struggled to find the men in space, with Newcastle defending well. 5

Mason Mount

Saw quite a bit of the ball on the left of the midfield. But lacked the creativity to really make anything happen. Had one good chance in the first half, but wasted it.

A similar story in the second half as well, where he had a good chance to break a couple of times, but the possession didn't move quick enough. 4

Callum Hudson-Odoi

Struggled to get in the game and the left wing-back position really stopped him from having space. Didn't really get a grip on the game.

The Blues tried to get it to him more in the second half, but he didn't make much happen and he struggled to make an impact. 4

Tammy Abraham

Well defended by Newcastle and wasn't given much room to really impact the match. One shot that was well over the bar.

Had a couple of reaction chances in the second half, which he wasn't able to put away. Was strong up top when needed. 6

Willian

Nothing really went for him in the first half. Tried a few tricks but was well marked. Had a bit more joy towards the end of the half, with one shot that was deflected wide. But struggled to make a real impact.

It was much the same in the second half. A couple of decent breaks, with one of his shots going wide, but wasn't impactful enough. 4