The Blues are level on points with league leaders Liverpool after three games played.
Chelsea winger Eden Hazard celebrates his strike (Photo: AFP)
Chelsea maintained their 100 per cent start to the season with a dramatic 2-1 win over Newcastle eUnited at St. James’ Park on Sunday evening to go level on points with Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Marauding fullback Marcos Alonso was the star of the show, winning a penalty–which Eden Hazard converted with aplomb to open the scoring–and then forcing an own goal off DeAndre Yedlin for the winner.
Rafa Benitez set up his side with the intention of frustrating his former employers and for most part of the 90 minutes, it looked like the hosts would hold on for an invaluable three points.
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However, Alonso got on the wrong side of a Newcastle defender and went down under a challenge, which led to match referee Paul Tierney signalling for a penalty.
Hazard, starting for the first time this season, stepped up and his powerful finish left Martin Dubravka with no chance, even if the custodian managed to get his fingertips to the ball.
With less than 15 minutes left in the tie, it looked like the Blues would secure their second away win of the season, but there was still time for another controversial incident.
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Yedlin clearly elbowed Olivier Giroud on the edge of the Chelsea box before swinging in an inviting cross and with the Blues appealing for a foul, Joselu nipped in and headed past Kepa Arrizabalaga to level proceedings in the 83rd minute.
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Chelsea continued to pour forward and would feel justice was served when Yedlin turned Alonso’s hopeful shot into his own net three minutes from time.
The shot looked to be going away from goal even as the pacey fullback stuck a toe out, much to the horror of the home crowd.
Chelsea head into the first international break of the season flush with confidence after three wins on the trot and will be fancying their chances of pushing the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City all the way this season.
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