Chelsea moved into the Premier League top four as Marcos Alonso’s late strike gave them a 1-0 win over Newcastle at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea finally broke down a stubborn Toon as Alonso (73) struck a fierce low effort after being fed by Callum Hudson-Odoi on the left of the box, though Newcastle felt they should have been awarded a foul on Joelinton in the buildup.
The first half lacked any clear-cut chances as Chelsea struggled to break down Newcastle side intent on playing on the counter, while in the second Tammy Abraham had three clear chances to score, either side of Alonso’s winner.
The result means Alonso moved Chelsea into the top four with their fifth straight win in all competitions, while Newcastle fall into the bottom three.
In another match, Manchester City got back to winning ways with a 2-0 victory against Crystal Palace, although they were made to sweat for the three points.
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Pep Guardiola’s side scored twice in 93 seconds after a stellar performance from Wayne Hennessey had kept them at bay for much of the opening period. Gabriel Jesus (39) nodded home his 50th Man City goal in all competitions before David Silva (41) tucked home through the goalkeeper’s legs.
But Crystal Palace gave them some frights after the break, with Christian Benteke smacking the crossbar and Ederson forced into a superb save from a Wilfried Zaha shot with two minutes of normal time to play.
Man City were able to hold on for the victory though to move five points behind leaders Liverpool, who play Manchester United on Renault Super Sunday, while Crystal Palace remain in sixth.
