Nicholas Jackson, Cole Palmer and Mykhailo Mudryk were all on target as Chelsea saw off Newcastle United 3-2 in an entertaining clash under the Stamford Bridge lights.
And in what has become a norm at Chelsea, Palmer played a pivotal role in the victory as it was his shot that Jackson beautifully diverted home for the Blues’ first goal of the evening.
The 21-year-old summer signing from Manchester City then lashed home from the edge of the box in the second half to re-establish Chelsea’s lead.
The speedy Mudryk would then shows off his dribbling skills as he pounced on a lose ball between Conor Gallagher and Enzo Fernandez, danced through the Newcastle defense before slotting home Chelsea’s third and winning goal.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino was delighted with the England international’s impact not just in yesterday’s match but across the season.
“He is doing well. He arrived on the last day of the transfer window but it was easy for him to adapt to the team and the demands of the coaching staff. I think he is showing his quality and how he can link the game,” he said.
“He is fantastic, he is getting more mature every day. He still needs to improve but is doing a very good job.”
Pochettino warning to Mudryk
Asked whether last night’s performance could be the catalyst for Mudryk to be given a run in the starting line-up, Pochettino replied: “I think it was a very good goal. That is what we expect of a player who came from the bench – have an impact.”
He added: “He now has to compete with different players in the position he can play. It [whether he can become a starter] is more a question for him than for me.”
Despite the win, Chelsea sit 11th in the English Premier League standings with 39 points,
