Cole Palmer inspired Chelsea to a 3-2 win against Newcastle in the Premier League, assisting one and scoring another on Monday Night Football.
The 21-year-old continued to show why he has been the Blues’ best player this season, picking up an assist inside six minutes as Nicolas Jackson (6) flicked home his shot.
Alexander Isak’s well-taken goal (43) just before the break got Newcastle level before Palmer fired Chelsea back ahead in the second half.
Palmer shot from almost the same place as his assist – just at the top of the area – this time needing no help in beating the goalkeeper. It marked his fifth goal and assist combo in a Premier League game this season – the highest in the league.
The cherry was added onto the cake late on as Mykhailo Mudryk’s cool finish added Chelsea’s third (76), but Newcastle made sure of a nervy finish thanks to Jacob Murphy’s rocketed effort on the stroke of the 90 minutes.
The victory sees Chelsea on to 39 points, three away from Brighton in eighth with a game in hand. Newcastle are ahead by a point in 10th.
More to follow.
Five fine goals light up MNF
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Nicolas Jackson gets the vital touch to give Chelsea the lead.
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Isak makes it 1-1 just minutes before the break with a brilliant low finish into the back of the net.
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Cole Palmer restores Chelsea’s lead with a moment of magic at Stamford Bridge.
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Mudryk adds a third for Chelsea as the home side look to wrap up the victory.
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Murphy’s thunderous strike in the 90th minute gave the visitors hope of finding a way back into the game.
What’s next?
Chelsea host Championship side Leicester in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday March 17, kick-off 12.45pm. They return to Premier League action after the international break at home to Burnley on Saturday March 30. Kick-off 3pm.
Newcastle head to Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, kick-off 5.30pm. Their next Premier League fixture is at home to West Ham on Saturday March 30, kick-off 12.30pm.
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