Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea extended their lead at the top of the Premier League on Saturday with a 3-0 win over Newcastle at St James’ Park.
Reece James opened the scoring with a fantastic half volley in the 66th minute, before the England right-back added a second 12 minutes later, after another stunning hit.
Blues skipper Jorginho then converted from the penalty spot ten minutes from time to ensure all three points headed back to west London.
The result means Chelsea lead the way with 25 points from ten games - three more than Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool - who could only manage a 2-2 draw with Brighton on Saturday.
However, while the Blues eventually got the job done against Newcastle, their forwards struggled to convert chances in front of goal.
While Chelsea didn’t fight in difficult to get themselves in potential goalscoring positions, their forwards lacked the cutting edge in the final third.
Hakim Ziyech had multiple chances to put the ball in the back of the net, while Kai Havertz – who started up front – also couldn’t convert.
True it is that Chelsea have not had the best of luck in attacking areas this season. Their two recognised strikers – Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner – are both facing spells on the sidelines.
Lukaku suffered an ankle injury against Malmo in the Champions League, while Werner was also forced off in the same match with a hamstring problem.
However, selling Tammy Abraham to Roma this summer was perhaps not the best idea after all.
Havertz is, and has, at times shown multiple glimpses of himself being a top talent at Chelsea.
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The German forward proved what he is capable of when he scored a perfectly timed header against Southampton in the Carabao Cup in midweek.
But Havertz’s display on Saturday, highlighted that he does, for the most part, lack the clinical nature required to be an out-and-out forward. And that the 22-year-old is best suited behind the frontman.
Against better opposition, the Blues would have been punished for not taking their chances in the early stages of the game.
After all, Newcastle are still winless in the Premier League this season and the club’s new Saudi-led ownership hasn’t provided them with the much-needed boost that they so desperately needed.
Abraham meanwhile has adjusted well to life at Roma under new boss Jose Mourinho. The 24-year-old has scored four goals since joining the Serie A club, which saw him recalled to the England squad earlier this month.
Abraham started in the win over Andorra and got himself on the scoresheet in the comfortable 5-0 win for England.
And it’s goals like those, that Chelsea could do with up front while they cope with the absence of Lukaku and Werner.
Take nothing away from everything Chelsea have achieved under Tuchel - and the grit and determination of Saturday’s performance.
Tuchel's side are still scoring goals, and conceding very few, but it’s a transfer decision which could cause problems for a team chasing the Premier League crown.
Chelsea will now switch their focus to Malmo on Tuesday, and Tuchel will be hoping his side can register a similar result to last time they faced the Swedish champions.
