Chelsea beat Newcastle to go joint top

Chelsea`s Belgian midfielder Eden Hazard (C) celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James` Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on 26 August 2018. Photo: AFP
Chelsea`s Belgian midfielder Eden Hazard (C) celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James` Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on 26 August 2018. Photo: AFP

Chelsea kept up their 100 percent start to the Premier League season by snatching a 2-1 win at a stubborn Newcastle United on Sunday, grabbing victory thanks to a late own goal by DeAndre Yedlin.

Eden Hazard had blasted Chelsea ahead in the 76th minute from the penalty spot after Swiss defender Fabian Schar had tripped Marcos Alonso, allowing the visitors a breakthrough after they had monopolised possession.

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez had played a dogged 5-4-1 formation in an effort to shut out his former club. They created little at the other end, but they drew level when Spanish forward Joselu headed in at the near post in the 83rd minute. Chelsea got back in front with a fortuitous goal four minutes later from Yedlin, who had stretched his foot out to block a shot from Alonso which had looked to be going wide.

Chelsea join Liverpool and Watford at the top of the table on nine points after three games while Newcastle have one.