Chelsea 3-0 Newcastle
An Eden Hazard hat trick fired Chelsea top of the league with Blues were back to their best against Newcastle United.
The home side dominated almost from start to finish and combined that heady mix of steely resolve and free-flowing flair to leapfrog both Arsenal and Manchester City in the table.
John Terry was a surprise omission from the matchday squad – sidelined by a muscular strain that led to the precautionary measure.
The opening half hour was far less pacey than Blues experienced in Manchester on Monday night.
Chelsea looked the better value for it, and they were deserving of the opener when it came on 28 minutes.
Eden Hazard, looking forever the handful, popped up with the ball in the centre. He put it out wide to Branislav Ivanovic on the right, who took the ball a few strides down the wing.
Crossing back in, the Serbian found the Belgian – and Hazard put the ball past Tim Krul.
Six minutes later it was 2-0 – and as perfect an example as you'll see all season of pure counter-attacking venom.
In six seconds, Chelsea swept the ball up-field from one goalmouth to the other via a David Luiz sweeping pass, a Willian wide ball, a Hazard cross, a Samuel Eto'o backheel, and finally a superlative Hazard finish.
Chelsea remained well on top after the break.
A third could have come when Luiz hoofed a ball up-field – which saw Krul race out to collect. Finding himself outside his box, he seemed to crumple, perhaps studs caught in a divot, as the ball bounced over his head.
Oscar raced in, but couldn't quite get there before it went wide.
Three minutes after the hour, and the third did come.
Eto'o was bundled over by the already-booked sub Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa at a corner.
There was no stopping Hazard, from taking the ball straight to the spot. He calmly slotted the ball right, and beyond Krul for his deserved hat-trick.
The latter stages brought a cameo debut for Mohammed Salah off the bench who saw two chances – one wide of the goal, the other straight at Krul.
The week started with Jose Mourinho renewing his insistence that his 'little horse' could not win the title. Today they cantered to the top of the table.
