Chelsea vs Newcastle as it happened: Eden Hazard inspire comeback victory as champions close gap
Relive the drama from Saturday's Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte believes England may require some insider information to keep Eden Hazard quiet at next summer's World Cup.
Hazard should be part of the Belgium team who face the Three Lions after the nations were paired in Group G in Friday's draw, along with Tunisia and Panama.
The 26-year-old stole the show as he returned to the Chelsea side to score twice as the reigning Premier League champions came from behind to beat Newcastle 3-1 on Saturday.
Dwight Gayle had given Newcastle a shock lead as Rafael Benitez returned to Stamford Bridge for the first time since his acrimonious six-month tenure as Blues boss in 2013.
But Chelsea hit back as Hazard levelled with a smart finish and wrapped up the points with a deft 'Panenka' penalty after Alvaro Morata had headed in to give Conte's side the lead at the interval.
Relive the drama below...
What time does it start?
The game kicks off at 12.30pm on Saturday 2 December at Stamford Bridge.
Where can I watch it?
The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage starts at 11.30am.
It’s a big game for…
Rafa Benitez. That Newcastle have won just one game from their last nine fixtures makes for a worrying read. Nonetheless, the spirit showed by the Magpies on Tuesday night suggests Benitez still has his players all pulling in the same direction – despite the nature of some results. Even a point against Chelsea on Saturday would be considered a positive outcome for Newcastle – anything else, though, would simply add to the concern at St James’ Park.
Remember when…
Chelsea stormed past Newcastle to send Steve McClaren’s side into the relegation zone in February 2016? The hosts romped to a 5-1 victory at the Bridge, with Pedro notably grabbing a brace.
Player to watch…
Eden Hazard. The Belgian was rested for the Swansea game but is likely to return for Saturday’s clash against Newcastle. When on form, Hazard looks unstoppable and brings a real energy to this Chelsea side that, on occasion, goes missing in his absence. With the Magpies struggling to keep clean sheets at the moment, the 26-year-old will be relishing Saturday’s game.
Head to head…
Chelsea 5 Newcastle United 1, Premier League, February 2016
Newcastle United 2 Chelsea 2, Premier League, September 2015
Chelsea 2 Newcastle United 0, Premier League, January 2015
Form guide…
Chelsea: WDWWWL
Newcastle: DLLLLW
Odds…
Chelsea to win: 1/5
Draw: 11/2
Newcastle United: 14/1
5' - Chance! Cesc Fabregas' flicked first-time ball from Eden Hazard's pass sets Danny Drinkwater free in the Newcastle penalty area. The former Leicester man weighs up his options before driving a cross in towards Alvaro Morata, only for the ball to be cleared.
9' - Ayoze Perez capitalises on a rare mistake by Cesar Azpilicueta in the Chelsea defence and drives towards goal. He is soon crowded out by three Blues defenders and is forced to pull the ball back to Mikel Merino, whose first-time shot from the edge of the area is straight at Thibaut Courtois.
At the other end Alvaro Morata sends a shot over the crossbar after good work from Eden Hazard.
GOAL! Chelsea 0-1 Newcastle (Gayle)
12' - Newcastle take the lead - and you have to say they deserve to! Jacob Murphy is thwarted in his attempt to round Thibaut Courtois but the ball rebounds straight back to Dwight Gayle, who slots the ball into an empty net.
16' - Andreas Christensen meets Cesc Fabregas' corner but his header sails well over the crossbar.
17' - Close! Chelsea almost equalise through Eden Hazard but the Belgian is thwarted at close range by Karl Darlow after a superb Cesc Fabregas pass.
19' - Chelsea have a huge penalty claim as Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow flattens Alvaro Morata from behind in the box but the referee waves play on. The visitors are very, very lucky to get away with that one.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle (Hazard)
21' - Eden Hazard drags Chelsea level as he smacks the ball past Karl Darlow after Cesar Azpilicueta's dangerous-looking cross had been blocked by Florian Lejeune.
Seconds earlier Andreas Christensen had hit the post with a header.
Chelsea have vastly improved since going a goal down and they deserve that equaliser.
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