Guernsey Press

Strength in depth delights Frank Lampard as Chelsea win again

The Blues eased past the challenge of Newcastle on Saturday.

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Frank Lampard indicated the importance of strength in depth to Chelsea’s hopes of sustaining a Premier League title challenge after his side barely broke sweat in a 2-0 win over Newcastle at St James’ Park.

An early Federico Fernandez own goal paved the way for Lampard’s men to claim a fifth straight win in all competitions, with Tammy Abraham sealing victory after a lung-bursting run by Timo Werner midway through the second half.

The return to full fitness of N’Golo Kante and the defensive riches at his disposal have left Lampard in a confident place ahead of a frantic festive period which is likely to define their chances of a title push.

Newcastle United v Chelsea – Premier League – St James’ Park
Tammy Abraham sealed Chelsea’s win at Newcastle (Owen Humphreys/PA)

“It’s not easy to ask them to come straight into the team and perform because it means they need a good attitude through the week and how they prepare.

“But I’ve got confidence in Toni and I thought his performance alongside Kurt (Zouma) was very strong.

Newcastle United v Chelsea – Premier League – St James’ Park
Timo Werner starred in Chelsea’s win at Newcastle (Owen Humphreys/PA)

Kante was key to a dominant Chelsea display, which began when Fernandez stumbled over a Mason Mount cross and knocked the ball past his own goalkeeper Karl Darlow, who had already saved well to deny Werner and Abraham.

Chelsea put the game beyond doubt in the 65th minute when the excellent Werner burst over the halfway line and unselfishly squared for Abraham to compete the job, but it was a win built on the industriousness of Kante in midfield.

Newcastle United v Chelsea – Premier League – St James’ Park
N’Golo Kante is showing signs of a return to top form after injury (Alex Pantling/PA)

“I just have so much faith in him and the top player he is in world football. We have had a better period to get him in a place where we’re really happy.

“Every time you allow him off the leash in training he makes ridiculous output because that’s the way he plays, so we are very careful with that and at the moment we are in a very good place.”

Newcastle United v Chelsea – Premier League – St James’ Park
Newcastle struggled to assert themselves against Chelsea (Alex Pantling/PA)

Magpies boss Steve Bruce acknowledged his frustration over yet another poor start from his side, and looked ahead to the “huge” festive programme which is likely to dictate his side’s season.

“The one thing we miss like most big clubs is the atmosphere inside the stadium,” said Bruce. “But I think in the second half they would have seen the team do a lot better.

Newcastle United v Chelsea – Premier League – St James’ Park
Jamaal Lascelles hobbled off in Newcastle’s defeat to Chelsea (Owen Humphreys/PA)

Bruce faces an injury concern over captain Jamaal Lascelles, who picked up a knee injury in a first-half challenge on Werner, but was ultimately forced off with a thigh problem at the start of the second period.

Bruce added: “”He hurt his knee but the reason why he’s come off is not because of that – when he ran on he felt his thigh. It’s a strange and unique situation and we won’t know how bad it is until Monday.”

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