Chelsea moved above West Ham and Liverpool and into the top four with a comfortable 2-0 win over Newcastle at Stamford Bridge.
Olivier Giroud came off the bench in the first half to break the deadlock before Timo Werner sparked scenes of relief with his first goal for 14 League matches.
Dan Kilpatrick was at Stamford Bridge to run the rule over the Chelsea players...
Theatrically but effectively clawed away a Joe Willock header but was a little unconvincing with a late punch.
Showed nerves early on by passing straight out of play with his first action but grew in assurance. A clean sheet was the main thing.
César Azpilicueta 6
Occasionally erratic in possession and nervous when Allan Saint-Maximin stood him up. But made some important interventions as Newcastle applied late pressure.
Andreas Christensen 7
Rarely misplaced a pass in an assured performance with the ball. Looked comfortable against the threat of Dwight Gayle and Joelinton.
Antonio Rüdiger 7
Played his part in the rearguard, with Newcastle's only real threat coming from aerial balls into the box and set-pieces.
Callum Hudson-Odoi 7
Energetic and stretched Newcastle without being decisive in the final third. Occasionally forced back by Saint-Maximin but covered plenty of ground before being replaced.
Jorginho 8
Kept the ball moving in a typically neat performance but also repeatedly won possession to snuff out Newcastle counters. Proving his worth under Tuchel.
Mateo Kovacic 8
Drove Chelsea forward from the middle of the park and switched play nicely. Nearly set up Werner with a lovely jinking run in the first half.
Marcos Alonso 7
Practically played as an auxiliary forward, basing himself in Newcastle's half and proving a constant threat down the left flank. Tested Karl Darlow with early effort and linked up well with Werner.
Mason Mount 8
Chelsea's creative hub the final third again, pulling the strings and creating a host of chances before he was replaced. Got stuck in, too.
Timo Werner 8
His long-awaited goal was no less than he deserved for a lively performance. Made Giroud's goal and unlucky with a cute effort that flew just over. A turning point?
Tammy Abraham 6
Unfortunate to be forced off inside 20 minutes following a crunching challenge by Jamaal Lascelles. Miscued an early header from which he should have done better.
Substitutes
Olivier Giroud (Abraham 19') 8
Took his chance and made his mark from the bench with the all-important first goal, a calm finish after good work from Werner.
N'Golo Kante (Mount 69') 7
Added energy and poise as Chelsea sat back to see out the result in the face of late pressure.
Reece James (Hudson-Odoi 77') 7
Nearly scored immediately with a low effort from a purposeful run. Looked keen to make an impression.
Subs not used: Mendy, Zouma, Emerson, Pulisic, Chilwell.
