3 Key Talking Points From Chelsea vs Newcastle United (2-0): Costa’s Persistence Pays Off

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.

2. Will Mourinho pay the price for not rotating squad?

At a time where managers are constantly blaming the fixture list and swapping and changing players in order to get the right balance to win games, Mourinho’s insistence on playing, the same XI all season long, barring injuries and suspensions, is certainly a refreshing change. But it looks as though that consistency might end up costing Chelsea dear. Although he will never admit it in public, it looks as though his players look tired and their first half against Newcastle was a perfect example of that.

Nine players have started at least 17 League games already and it looks as though, playing and competing in four competitions is starting to catch up with Chelsea. Cesar Azpilicueta’s muscle injury against the Magpies might rule him out for a few weeks and Gary Cahill’s form of late has been far from convincing. While many have praised Chelsea’s defenders and rightly so, the fact is that they only have six first-team defenders. And if there any more injuries in defense, the Portuguese will have to either dip into the transfer market or the youth team.

3. Chelsea get the job done after sluggish start

Had Oscar not scored a goal just before half-time, the team talk by Mourinho would have been a completely different as the Blues looked out of sorts in the first half. Remy Cabella, who was struggling to adapt to life in England, had the beating of Azpilicueta every single time and some better finishing would have ensured that the Magpies went in with a lead. But, as it turned out, some quick thinking by Willian led to Chelsea’s opener and that was just the spark they needed.

Although their performances wasn’t exactly stellar in the second half, they did all the small things well. Whether it was closing down opponents when they are on the ball, or picking the right when on the counter attack, the Blues looked like they wanted to win the game more, in the second half. Chelsea went a little longer with their passes and once they settled into their stride, started carving Newcastle open with plenty of their usual flicks and tricks. Without even getting out third gear, the Blues secured a comfortable win and these are exactly the sort of games they failed to win last season, which eventually cost them the title.