Latest: Chelsea 0 Newcastle 0 – Blues on back foot

Chelsea made a lacklustre start at Stamford Bridge as the Magpies created a number of half chances early on.

The pace of Remy Cabella and Moussa Sissoko troubled the Blues’ backline, which included Kurt Zouma on his first Premier League start and Petr Cech in goal.

Cech was called upon early on to field a tame Sissoko effort and Cabella also saw a shot blocked as Newcastle carried a constant threat.

Yoann Gouffran came closest with a free-kick that Cech blocked and John Terry – who has been Chelsea’s outstanding player – cleared the follow-up.

Chelsea’s best opportunity fell to Diego Costa, who opted to square to Eden Hazard when he looked better placed to shoot and the chance was lost.

Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Costa.
Subs: Courtois, Cahill, Filipe Luis, Mikel, Ramires, Remy, Drogba.

Newcastle: Krul; Janmaat, Coloccini, Williamson, Dummett; Sissoko, Anita, Colback; Cabella, Perez, Gouffran.
Subs: Woodman, Santon, Haidara, Ameobi, Vuckic, Armstrong, Riviere.

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