One 4/10 and the odd 7 - Player ratings from Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

Another tough away day for Newcastle United as we fell to a 2-1 defeat at Chelsea. Here come our ratings from today’s game:

Pope (6.5) - Swept well early but will be disappointed with letting Palmer’s shot beat him at the near post. Habit of punching crosses rather than catching them creeping into his game

Livramento (7) - Undone by a world class through ball by Palmer but showed his undeniable talent by driving forward for the equaliser.

Schar (5) - Won’t enjoy watching this back. Clearly instructed to step up into midfield when Palmer had the ball but was beaten far too easily on more than one occasion. Backed off Palmer way too much for the second goal.

Burn (5) - Never has his lack of pace been more evident than seeing how Jackson pulled away for the first goal. Rare off day

Hall (7) - Lost possession early on in a poor area but did well afterwards. Great cross for the equaliser and looks a great outlet on the left

Tonali (6) - Didn’t have too many opportunities in possession and was overrun in midfield early on but grew into the game after a shaky start. Customary hooking after an hour.

Guimaraes (6.5) - Often found himself covering at centre half with Schar and Burn stepping up and being caught out of position in the first half. Typically tidy in possession and one of the few players capable of holding up the ball

Joelinton (5.5) - Cut a frustrated figure when Isak could’ve squared it for a tap in. Put himself about and seems to be playing himself into a bit of form. Still some way off his best

Almiron (5) - Snatched at an opportunity in the first half but was otherwise fairly anonymous. Lots of running without any substance.

Barnes (4) - Wasteful. Created space for shooting opportunities but either played the wrong pass or didn’t get a shot away at all.

Isak (5)- Got a goal but that’s putting the gloss on a poor performance yet again. Failure to hold up the ball resulting in turnovers which ultimately let to Chelsea’s winner. Butchered an opportunity to equalise in the second half. Long way off his best

Subs:

Longstaff (6) - Caused Chelsea problems with his running when he came on. Much maligned but adds value.

Willock (6.5) - Impressive cameo off the bench. Created some good openings with deep runs from midfield

Murphy (5.5) - Didn’t make much of an impact. Rocks or diamonds of a player with a lot more rocks lately

Osula (N/A)

Kelly (N/A)