Tough times at Stamford Bridge.
The frozen club was in the corner where the blows fell last week. Still, Thomas Tuchel’s team wanted to straighten out with a brilliant performance against Newcastle.
Chelsea played stiff, it was the visitors who almost took care of the icebreaker. Miguel Almirón struck out on the stroke of half-time, but hit the post full.
Timo Werner caught fire when he went down in Newcastle’s box. Referee David Coote correctly pointed to the box, but the linesman caused a chilly wind in London with his flag.
And so Romelu Lukaku was allowed to show up to break the spell. Just like his teammates, the Red Devil played a pale match. Competitor Kai Havertz made the difference in the final phase with a class flash and a great goal.
Chelsea can warm themselves to 3 extra points in the Premier League. The return leg against Lille in the Champions League awaits next week.