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.

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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 of Chelsea scores his sides opening goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea
Reece James of Chelsea scores his sides opening goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea
Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

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.