Chelsea 3 Newcastle 1: Nigeria Star Man Victor Moses Provides Assist, Earns Penalty

Victor Moses was influential in his first start since October 14, providing his side's second and forcing a penalty for the third as Chelsea brushed aside Newcastle 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.

The Nigeria international took his place in the Blues starting XI that faced Swansea last time out, replacing Davide Zappacosta and put in a telling contribution as Antonio Conte's men roared back from falling behind.

The Magpies drew first blood in the encounter following a defensive mishap from their opponents, Dwight Gayle stealing into the box to prod home after Chelsea failed to deal with a loose ball in the box as early as the 12th minute.

But Chelsea were level nine minutes later, Eden Hazard pouncing on a failed clearance from Florian Lejeune to stab home the equaliser.

Moses took centre stage for the third goal of the game, turning out Matt Richie before placing a delightful cross on a platter for Alvaro Morata to nod in and make it 2-1 just three minutes past the half-hour mark.

Richie would yet fall prey of the Nigerian trickery, sliding into the wingback with a badly timed challenge to concede a penalty which Hazard coolly chipped in to notch his brace and wrap up the three points as well.

The Nigerian was in action for the entirety of the game, going close to scoring on a couple of occasions while tracking back to help out defensively.

Chelsea remain in third with 32 points with their latest win while Newcastle stay in 12th with 15 points from fifteen matches.

Emmanuel Chinaza

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com