Goals from Oscar and Diego Costa ensured that the Blues extended their lead at the top of the table to two points after Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Everton. Newcastle United dominated the first half and were unlucky to go into the break a goal down. The Magpies hit the post, forced Petr Cech into a couple of good saves, but fell asleep in defense as a quickly taken corner resulted in an easy tap in for Oscar just before half-time. And if that was a blow for the visitors, Costa’s goal on the hour mark, effectively sealed the tie as they lost their fourth-straight away game.
Here are the major talking points from the game.
1. Costa’s persistence pays off
After his stunning start to his Chelsea career, there were plenty of words, that were used to describe Diego Costa. But if there is one word that describes him better than anything else, it is persistence. There are many things you can accuse Costa of not doing, but not giving his all, isn’t one of them. Against Newcastle United, the Spaniard put on a typically industrious performance that showed just why defenders hate to play against him.
After a first half, that saw him fluff his lines on a few occasions, you would have been forgiven for thinking that was just going to be one of those days for the 26-year-old striker. But Costa ensured that he got his 10th League goal at home this season after closing down a defender, forcing a mistake and then capitalising on it. His energy and enthusiasm to win the ball back has endeared him to the Stamford Bridge faithful, who were up on their feet to applaud another masterful display up front by Costa. Although he only scored one goal, his overall work-rate, persistence and desire to win the ball back is something that will help the Blues in tight games when chances are few and far between.
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