Chelsea 2-0 Newcastle: Werner ends goal drought as Chelsea hit top four

Timo Werner finally ended his Premier League drought as in-form Chelsea eased past Newcastle 2-0 to go fourth in the Premier League.

The oft-maligned German striker – a £45million summer signing from RB Leipzig – ended a goalless top-flight run stretching back 14 matches when he scrambled in at the back post six minutes before half-time at Stamford Bridge.

Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea – who handed a shock start to Kepa Arrizabalaga on Monday night with usual first-choice goalkeeper Eduoard Mendy not injured – already led through Olivier Giroud, who turned home the rebound from inside the box after man of the match Werner demonstrated an excellent change of pace and Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow had initially thwarted Mason Mount at the near post.

Giroud was introduced from the bench early on in west London after Tammy Abraham – handed a League start after his impressive FA Cup performance at Barnsley on Thursday – was injured during a challenge from Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles inside the box.

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The victory represents Chelsea’s fourth in a row across all competitions and they remain unbeaten in five matches under Frank Lampard’s successor Tuchel.

By rising up to fourth, the hosts – who also overtook defending champions Liverpool – quickly knock down London rivals West Ham, who had briefly moved into the Champions League places with a 3-0 home win over Sheffield United earlier on Monday evening.