Praise Fabregas and hope for the best, 4 talking points
Eden Hazard - England threat
The buzzing Belgian was at the centre of all of the best of Chelsea's play. His ability to find space and then attack at pace with the ball at his feet can trouble any defence and Rafa Benitez's side were no powerless to stop him. Now imagine what he will do with Kevin De Bruyne alongside him on the biggest stage – and Romelu Lukaku rampaging up front. England will want their passage to the knockout stages secured facing these Belgians.
Rafa Benitez will never be loved at Stamford Bridge
The Spaniard inspires unquestioning devotion from most Liverpool and now Newcastle fans. But Benitez failed to bond with the Chelsea fans despite finishing third and winning the Europa League during his stint in charge in 2012-13. His name was booed before kickoff. And his frustrated kick of the ball soon after Chelsea's second was met with chants of “You fat bastard”.
Chelsea just have to keep winning and hoping
Seven games unbeaten in the Premier League now as the Blues close the gap on Manchester City to eight points before the leaders play again tomorrow. If Pep Guardiola’s team keep up their ridiculous form, there will be little the champions or anyone else can do. But there is the Manchester derby next weekend while Chelsea have a run of three more very winnable home games - Southampton, Brighton and Stoke before New Year.
Fabregas is Chelsea’s beating heart
Fabregas delivered a ball that few players in football worldwide can produce, chipping it over the Newcastle defence with an inch-perfect pass to Hazard that the Belgian just failed to tuck away. He also sprayed balls across to Moses and Marcos Alonso at will, giving Chelsea the width required to free Hazard and Morata. Given that he looked to be the expendable midfielder that would drop out of the side to accommodate Tiemoue Bakayoko, Fabregas’ resurgence this season has been nothing short of fantastic.
Source: Mirror I Independent