Chelsea extend Premier League lead as Reece James double downs Newcastle

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:02 am

Premier League leaders Chelsea beat Newcastle United 3-0 on Saturday after a pair of stunning goals from Reece James.

Chelsea, who had only won two of their last eight games at St. James' Park, fielded a much-changed team as Romelu Lukaku, Mason Mount, Timo Werner and Mateo Kovacic were unavailable.

-  Player Ratings: Reece James earns 9/10 vs. Newcastle

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That meant starts for Callum Hudson-Odoi and Hakim Ziyech, and it was the Morocco international who was the biggest threat.

But, despite having 75% possession in the first half, Chelsea struggled to break through as Ziyech's effort was ruled out for offside after he curled the ball into the top corner following a Jorginho pass, then James' cross was missed by Ziyech and Kai Havertz when both could have scored.

Ziyech struck a free kick over from 30 yards and Andreas Christensen did well to put off Jamaal Lascelles at the other end, but neither team managed a shot on target in the half.

Just after the break, Ziyech's shot was deflected off Lascelles and bounced against the post.

Reece James strikes home a wonderful effort.

Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek came on for Ziyech and N'Golo Kante and shortly after James picked up the ball on right, cut inside and drilled a powerful shot into the top corner.

The right-back then smashed another 12 minutes later to make himself the club's joint-top scorer this season with four goals, and Jorginho made it 3-0 from the penalty spot after Karl Darlow brought down Havertz.

The result saw Chelsea go three points clear as Liverpool were held 2-2 by Brighton and Manchester City lost 2-0 to Crystal Palace.