Newcastle United suffered a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea in the first leg of a double-header against the Blues.
It has now been five Premier League games without a win for Newcastle after they suffered defeat at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.
Newcastle have entered a very tough week of fixtures which includes back-to-back games against Chelsea followed by a visit from title-chasing Arsenal on Saturday.
Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring in London but Newcastle answered back through Alexander Isak to enter the break level.
However, Newcastle started the second half slowly and were punished by Cole Palmer, whose goal ended up being the winner.
Here are the player ratings from Newcastle’s 2-1 defeat:
Nick Pope – 4
Made some huge saves in the first half and bravely came out to collect the ball. Blameless for the first goal but was beaten far too easily by Cole Palmer, which proved to be extremely costly.
Tino Livramento – 4
Will be having nightmares about Pedro Neto tonight. Was caught sleeping for Chelsea’s opener when he was spun by the Chelsea winger. Livramento was lucky that Neto’s second-half header hit the post.
Livramento was comfortable in possession and carried the ball well but his disappointing defending let him down.
Fabian Schar – 3
Too eager to dive in and was cautioned early on. Missed his challenge on Pedro Neto for Chelsea’s opener and struggled to handle Cole Palmer’s elusive movement.
Dan Burn – 5
There were times when Chelsea were breaking and Dan Burn was nowhere to be seen. He is keen to step up and be aggressive in the press but lacks the pace to get back and recover.
The late penalty decision was scandalous and rightly overturned with Burn hardly making contact.
Lewis Hall – 8
Superb on his return to Stamford Bridge.
Hall, who signed from Chelsea for £28m, has faced criticism for his defending but did incredibly well to keep Newcastle target Noni Madueke quiet. Just as impressive going forward and got his just reward with a lovely assist for Isak.
Sandro Tonali – 6
A good all-round performance by the Italian, who helped out defensively but also got Newcastle ticking in possession.
Joelinton – 5
Energetic in midfield and helped to lead the press. Pushed out wide after the changes.
Bruno Guimaraes – 6
Caught out early on for Cole Palmer’s disallowed goal, but was combative and battled hard in midfield.
Miguel Almiron – 4
Like a bee with no stinger. Almiron was full of energy and was a handful for Chelsea’s backline, but as usual, he lacked composure in his final product and squandered some big chances.
Harvey Barnes – 4
Replaced the injured Anthony Gordon on the left wing. Struggled to make an impact in the first half but deserves credit for his role in the goal.
Alexander Isak – 7
Added to his goal tally after connecting with Hall’s cross. Had to feed off scraps at times but led the line well.
Should have scored again in the second half but overcomplicated a chance after taking it around the goalkeeper.
Substitutes
Jacob Murphy – 5
Not much to shout about after he came on at the right. It is hardly a surprise that a new right winger is a top transfer priority.
Sean Longstaff – 5
Injected some energy into midfield but offered little going forward.
Joe Willock – 6
Came on and took up an advanced role in midfield. Created a much-needed link between the midfield and attack. However, was unable to help Newcastle find an equaliser.
Lloyd Kelly – N/A
William Osula – N/A
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