Chelsea secured a vital 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge in a thrilling Premier League encounter that saw Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson shine. The win marks an important step in Chelsea’s progress under new manager Enzo Maresca, who is slowly reshaping the team’s fortunes. The result brings Chelsea to 17 points in the league, and with young talents like Palmer and Jackson stepping up, it was a performance that demonstrated the Blues’ potential.
Tactical Setup: Maresca’s Influence Shines
Enzo Maresca has been implementing a possession-based, high-pressing style at Chelsea, and it was clear again in this match that the team is starting to adapt to his methods. Chelsea lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Conor Gallagher, Moisés Caicedo, and Enzo Fernández forming a balanced midfield trio. The full-backs, Reece James and Marc Cucurella, played high up the pitch, adding width to the attack while also fulfilling their defensive duties.
Newcastle, known for their pressing and physicality under Eddie Howe, sought to disrupt Chelsea’s rhythm from the opening minutes. Their press initially caused Chelsea problems, but as the game progressed, Maresca’s men began to assert their dominance, especially through the dynamism of Cole Palmer and the pace of Nicolas Jackson.
Cole Palmer’s Continued Rise
The star of the match was Cole Palmer, who has quickly become a key player for Chelsea since his summer move from Manchester City. Palmer, with 7 goals and 5 assists in just 9 Premier League appearances, continued to prove his value with another standout performance.
Palmer was involved in Chelsea’s first goal, which came in the 25th minute. After a series of clever exchanges in midfield, Palmer found space on the right and delivered a precise cross into the box. Raheem Sterling, arriving at the perfect moment, met Palmer’s delivery with a bullet header that beat Nick Pope to give Chelsea the lead. Palmer’s vision and execution in that moment were exceptional, underlining his ability to create chances from wide areas.
Despite the growing expectations placed on him, Palmer remains level-headed. Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Palmer said, “I always try to enjoy my football game by game. Many people on the outside try to put pressure on me to replicate what I did last season in terms of numbers, but it is my second season playing football, and I am still very, very young.”
❄️ Cole Palmer tells Sky: “I always try to enjoy my football game by game”.
“Many people on the outside try to put pressure on me to replicate what I did last season in terms of numbers”.
“It is my second season playing football and I am still very, very young”. pic.twitter.com/21Gc0b3wxD
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 27, 2024
Newcastle’s Response and Chelsea’s Resilience
Newcastle, however, were not deterred by going behind and found an equalizer in the 60th minute. After a well-worked set piece, Bruno Guimarães managed to rise highest in the box to nod the ball past Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez, leveling the score at 1-1. The goal temporarily shifted momentum in Newcastle’s favor, as they looked to take control of the match.
Chelsea’s defense, led by the evergreen Thiago Silva and Axel Disasi, faced periods of pressure but held firm. Silva, who continues to be a rock at the back despite his age, made several crucial interceptions and organized the defense expertly. Disasi also showed his strength and composure, handling the threat posed by Newcastle’s powerful forwards.
Nicolas Jackson’s Decisive Goal
As Newcastle pushed forward, Chelsea found the perfect opportunity to strike on the counter. Nicolas Jackson, who had been a lively presence throughout the match, found himself in the right place at the right time. In the 80th minute, Palmer once again turned provider, threading a well-weighted pass through Newcastle’s backline. Jackson latched onto it, showing both pace and composure as he drove towards goal, slotting the ball past Nick Pope to restore Chelsea’s lead at 2-1.
Jackson’s goal was his 5th of the season and a reminder of the attacking threat he brings. His ability to stretch defenses with his speed and clever positioning was on full display, and his clinical finishing provided Chelsea with the decisive blow.
Final Push and Defensive Solidity
After regaining the lead, Chelsea focused on closing out the game. Maresca made key substitutions, bringing on defensive reinforcements such as Lesley Ugochukwu and Benoît Badiashile to solidify the backline. The introduction of fresh legs helped Chelsea regain control of the midfield and limit Newcastle’s chances in the closing stages.
Newcastle pushed hard for another equalizer, but Chelsea’s defense stood strong. Silva and Disasi were particularly impressive in dealing with crosses and set pieces, while Sánchez made a crucial save late on to deny Callum Wilson. The Blues’ ability to see out the match showed a growing resilience under Maresca, something that had been lacking earlier in the season.
What This Win Means for Chelsea
Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Newcastle is another sign that the team is starting to gel under Enzo Maresca’s management. With 17 points from 9 games, they are slowly climbing the Premier League table and looking more cohesive with each match. Maresca’s tactical philosophy is beginning to bear fruit, and players like Palmer and Jackson are stepping up when it matters most.
For Cole Palmer, his impact continues to grow. With his creativity and composure on the ball, he has quickly become one of Chelsea’s most influential players. Meanwhile, Nicolas Jackson’s pace and eye for goal give Chelsea a potent attacking option that can unsettle any defense.
For Newcastle, this defeat is a setback, but they remain a force to be reckoned with in the league. Eddie Howe’s side will be disappointed not to have taken anything from the match, but their performance shows they are still capable of challenging the league’s top teams.
As the Premier League season progresses, this win could be a defining moment for Chelsea. With key players hitting form and Maresca’s system taking hold, the future looks increasingly bright for the Blues
