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Werner On Target As Chelsea Go Fourth  (Sky Sports)

Chelsea 2 Newcastle United 0

Timo WernerTimo Werner finally ended his Premier League goal drought as Chelsea eased past Newcastle with a 2-0 win to move into the top four.

The hosts, who named Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal for his first league game since October, took the lead in the 31st minute when substitute Olivier Giroud - on in place of the injured Tammy Abraham - struck from close range.

Werner (39) then doubled the advantage eight minutes later, ending a run of 14 games without a goal in the league.

After the break, Arrizabalaga was called into action on a couple of occasions, saving Jonjo Shelvey's free-kick before keeping out Joe Willock's header, but Chelsea were comfortable as they secured a fourth straight league win under Thomas Tuchel.

Victory sees Chelsea move above Liverpool and West Ham, who beat Sheffield United 3-0 earlier on Monday, to move into fourth. They remain unbeaten in six games in all competitions since Tuchel's arrival at Stamford Bridge.

Man of the match - Timo Werner

Sky Sports' Andy Hinchcliffe: "The man of the match has to be Timo Werner. He completely changed the complexion of the game. He has made one, scored one, and he does deserve a goal. His recent performances have been excellent. He is brave, he is always wanting to make use of the ball and make things happen. I am just really pleased for him that he has been able to find the back of the net, finally."

Opta stats - Tuchel's impressive start continues

Chelsea have won four Premier League games in a row for the first time since November 2019 (a run of six under Frank Lampard).

Thomas Tuchel has picked up 13 points from his first five Premier League games in charge of Chelsea (W4 D1), level with José Mourinho's first five with the club and bettered only by Carlo Ancelotti and Maurizio Sarri (15 pts each).

Thomas Tuchel is just the third manager to see his team concede just one goal in his first five games as a boss in the Premier League, after José Mourinho with Chelsea and Peter Taylor with Leicester (no manager has shipped no goals in their first five games in charge in the competition).

Chelsea 'keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga kept his first Premier League clean sheet in five appearances (11 goals conceded in previous four), since a shut-out against Norwich in July 2020.

What's next?

Chelsea are back in action on Saturday, February 20 when they travel to St Mary's to face Southampton in the Premier League; kick-off 12.30pm.

Meanwhile, Newcastle travel to Manchester United on Sunday, February 21; kick-off 7pm.

Click Here For Official Team Sheet

Teams

Chelsea Kepa, Azpilicueta (c), Christensen, Rudiger, Hudson-Odoi (James 78), Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso, Mount (Kante 70), Werner, Abraham (Giroud 20)
Subs Not Used Mendy, Zouma, Emerson, Chilwell, Ziyech, Pulisic
Booked
Goals Giroud 31, Werner 39

Newcastle United Darlow, Krafth, Clark, Lascelles (c), Lewis, Shelvey, Hayden, Willock (Carroll 79), Almiron, Saint-Maximin (Fraser 72), Gayle (Joelinton 64)
Subs Not Used Dubravka, Dummett, M. Longstaff, Ritchie, Murphy, S. Lonstaff
Booked
Goals

Attendance
0

Referee Peter Bankes

VAR Chris Kavanagh