James double increases Chelsea’s lead at the top
By Joseph Ayinde
Reece James scored twice as Chelsea moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League table with a 3-0 win at Newcastle United.
After a goalless first half, Chelsea came close to a breakthrough three minutes after the break as Hakim Ziyech’s shot from 25 yards deflected off Jamaal Lascelles and hit a post.
The visitors then took the lead on 65 minutes when James controlled a cross from Callum Hudson-Odoi and fired in.
The wing-back struck again in the 77th minute, converting the rebound after Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s effort had been saved.
And with nine minutes remaining, Kai Havertz was brought down by goalkeeper Karl Darlow and Jorginho converted the resulting penalty.
Chelsea returned to the dressing room to learn that their nearest pursuers Liverpool and Manchester City had both dropped points. Newcastle stay 19th on four points.
