In match week 9, Chelsea edged out Newcastle United in a thrilling 2-1 contest, showcasing their dominance in possession and high-quality chances, while Newcastle relied on efficient shot selection and resilience.

Key Moments & Stats

Chelsea took the lead with an 18th-minute strike from Nicolas Jackson (xG: 0.47). Newcastle’s Alexander Isak responded with a goal in the 31st minute (xG: 0.28), but that was their only breakthrough in a game largely controlled by Chelsea. Chelsea retook the lead with a goal from Cole Palmer just before halftime (46′, xG: 0.30). Chelsea held a slight advantage in possession (53%) and created the majority of the game’s offensive momentum, especially in the second half. They amassed 17 shots to Newcastle’s 10, showing their intent to take control of the match from start to finish.

Match Momentum and Possession

Newcastle blocked six shots, with Dan Burn and Fabian Schär at the heart of their defensive stand. Despite their efforts, Chelsea’s sustained pressure eventually broke them down. The cumulative xG chart reflects Chelsea’s incremental build-up, while Newcastle’s limited xG after Isak’s goal shows their inability to consistently break down Chelsea’s defense.

Shots and xG Breakdown

Chelsea’s attack created a substantial xG of 2.39 compared to Newcastle’s 1.5. The shot maps reveal that Chelsea’s attempts were well-placed, with six on target and six blocked, highlighting Newcastle’s defensive efforts.

Newcastle’s shot selection was more conservative, resulting in fewer on-target chances but a higher xG per shot (0.15) due to carefully chosen positions in the box.

In-Possession Tactics

Chelsea’s pass map emphasizes their intricate midfield link-up play, orchestrated through Romeo Lavia and Moisés Caicedo, with both fullbacks, Gusto and James, pushing high to maintain width. This allowed attackers like Palmer and Madueke to find pockets of space around Newcastle’s backline.

Newcastle, on the other hand, relied on Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali in the center, looking to launch quick transitions to Isak and Barnes on the wings.

Chelsea’s calculated approach, coupled with Newcastle’s compact defense, made for an intense tactical battle, but it was Chelsea’s consistent threat in the final third that ultimately sealed the victory.