EPL: Chelsea survive Newcastle scare

Chelsea have moved into second place in the Premier League table with a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United in Sunday’s clash at St James’ Park.
A penalty from Eden Hazard and a header from Joselu – both netted in controversial circumstances – saw the teams remain on level terms heading into the final stages, but an own goal from DeAndre Yedlin gifted Chelsea all three points.
The Blues have now won three successive matches under new head coach Maurizio Sarri, while Newcastle remain without a win after a second consecutive home defeat.
Newcastle improved as the first half progressed and Salomon Rondon should have done better with a header from 12 yards out, but Chelsea were soon back onto the offensive with Pedro curling over the far top corner from the same distance.
The same pattern of play continued after the restart, and Cesar Azpilicueta should have done better after good work Hazard and Pedro but fired his 20-yard shot too close to Dubravka.
The Blues continued to struggle as the game entered the final 15 minutes, but Sarri’s men were given their opportunity to take the lead when the referee gave a contentious penalty decision in their favour.
Fabian Schar appeared to win the ball from Marcos Alonso but the referee adjudged the challenge to be a foul, and Hazard made no mistake from the spot with his effort being swept into the left corner.
Newcastle felt hard done by, but Chelsea were justified in experiencing the same emotions seven minutes later as the home side pushed forward and found an equaliser.
However, Chelsea were soon back in front as Yedlin went from hero to villain.
Alonso’s volley inside of the penalty area was heading wide and may have been turned in by Ross Barkley at the back post, but Yedlin stuck a foot out to divert the ball into the corner.