Palmer strike helps send Chelsea into the top four
Cole Palmer led Chelsea back into the Premier League’s top four with his seventh top-flight goal of the season as the Blues edge out Newcastle United 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.
Palmer, who saw an early strike disallowed for offside, was integral to both of Chelsea’s goals, playing a stunning pass in the build-up to Nicolas Jackson’s 18th-minute opener.
Alexander Isak drew the visitors level with his first goal since returning from a toe injury, tucking home from a cross by former Chelsea youngster Lewis Hall.
But Palmer got his name on the scoresheet early in the second half, with his effort squeezing in at Nick Pope’s near post, with Newcastle unable to find a response.
Chelsea’s triumph moved it, at least temporarily, into fourth spot, five points ahead of 12th-placed Newcastle.
Chelsea has won 10 of its 14 Premier League games since the beginning of May, with only Manchester City winning more points in the competition in this period.
Blues manager Enzo Maresca said Palmer's displayis the reason "fans pay to watch".
"It is the reason why people pay, they want to see that kind of player. We are very happy to have him," Maresca said.
The Blues did have to overcome some nervy moments at Stamford Bridge, though, with Isak twice going close in the second half but unable to test Robert Sanchez.
Chelsea will welcome the Magpies back to the capital in the Carabao Cup on Thursday (AEDT), and Maresca wants to see an improvement from his players.
"I am always concerned. We can attack better and defend better. We started three months ago so I am very happy where we are now," Maresca continued.
"The important thing is the feeling is good. We play nine games already. I am not looking at the table at the moment. If you do that sometimes you can be confused.
"The players are understanding every day what we are working for. The fans can enjoy and dream.
"Us as a club and as players, we need to understand there are many things we can do better."
For Newcastle, meanwhile, it has now failed to win in its past five games in the Premier League.
"I think you go through all types of cycles as a manager," manager Eddie Howe said on whether his side's current form is emotionally draining.
"You understand the difficult moments and you just have to ride through them knowing you'll come back again.
"The attitude of the players gives me the most heart and that's the most important thing."
With Anthony Gordon missing with a groin injury, Newcastle lacked a clinical threat in the final third, with only three of its 11 shots on target during the game, something the Magpies boss alluded to in his post-match assessment.
"I think it's just the final bit in both boxes where we didn't defend the two moments well enough and I felt we had enough positive actions to score more," Howe continued.
"Hopefully the goal will go a long way to ridding ourselves of that. No one can change it but us and we'll continue to attack games and attack teams."
