Nicholas Jackson and Cole Palmer on target as Chelsea overcome Newcastle – Irvine Times

Palmer’s second-half winner, a masterful effort from the edge of the box, was his 19th goal in 15 home Premier League appearances and was a fitting reward for a controlled, confident performance from a side that continued to impress as top-four contenders.

Alexander Isak had earlier tapped in to equalize for Eddie Howe’s visitors after Jackson had given Chelsea the lead.

And the Sweden international spurned a golden chance to steal a point in the second half when, after rounding goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, he appeared unable to decide whether to pass or shoot, squandering an open goal as Newcastle’s winless league run extended up to five games.

The standout striker on display, however, was Jackson, who increasingly looked like the striker Chelsea have been missing. He could enjoy a superb assist after four minutes when a resourceful turn and pass beat Dan Byrne and released Palmer, whose finish onto the bar was ruled out by VAR for a partial offside.

But Jackson would get his moment and he gave Chelsea their breakthrough with his sixth goal of the season. Palmer took it deep into his own half and made a lovely pass behind Tino Livramento for Neto to chase down. Fabian Schar went to ground to try to cross, a gamble that played into Neto’s hands as he scooped the ball up and crossed low for Jackson to clear.

Reece James was making his first appearance at Stamford Bridge for almost a year, with Maresca making the surprise decision to play him at left-back, and the captain’s concentration vanished for Newcastle’s equaliser.

Bruno Guimaraes played the ball to Livramento, who in turn released Harvey Barnes. Outside he overlapped ex-Chelsea defender Louis Hall and as his cross drifted over James failed to go with Isaac who was left in space to flick the ball home from a yard out.

Moises Caicedo headed over the bar from 20 yards before Neto had a deflected shot brilliantly turned away with one hand by Nick Pope as the visitors stayed until half-time.

Chelsea had won just once at home in the league this season, but fears that more points could slip away faded seconds after the restart. Levi Colville’s biting challenge won possession, Romeo Lavia was equally brave to poke the ball to Palmer and in a critical, inexplicable lapse, the Newcastle defense gave way.

That was all the invitation Palmer needed and with a left-footed sweep he fired low over Pope, although the keeper had actually left too much space at the near post.

Neto headed home Nonny Madueke’s cross as Chelsea entered a period of dominance. At times this season they have allowed games to devolve into high-scoring pinball, but there was a sense of control here that would have satisfied Maresca.

Yet any party involving Isaac carries a threat. The forward headed James from six yards as the defender raced towards his own goal line, then was guilty of hesitation as he took the ball around goalkeeper Robert Sanchez but could neither lay the ball down nor shoot.