Croatia international Mateo Kovacic was a major absentee as Chelsea extended their lead at the top of the Premier League log to three points. Chelsea were able to increase their advantage at the summit thanks to the 3-0 win over struggling Newcastle United. Croatia midfielder Kovacic missed the game with an hamstring problem.
Newcastle United are struggling at the lower end of the Premier League but they were able to hold the league leaders for the first 65 minutes before the impressive Reece James struck the first goal of the game via a left-footed finish.
England international James scored his second goal with a right-footed finish on 77 minutes before Italian midfielder Jorginho rounded off the scoring four minutes later. Jorginho scored the final goal of the match via a spot kick after Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow brought down Kai Havertz in the box.
Newcastle United are without a win in their first ten games this season and they have a record of four draws and six defeats. The Magpies are six points from safety after Leeds United beat hosts Norwich City at Carrow Road.
For Chelsea, the European champions started the latest round of games with a one-point cushion over Liverpool and a two-point advantage over holders Manchester City. They were able to extend their lead over the aforementioned title rivals after the newest round of matches in the Premier League.
Liverpool dropped points at home in their latest league game as they were pegged back after establishing a two-goal lead against Brighton and Hove Albion through Jordan Henderson and Sadio Mane. Enock Mwepu pulled one back in the first half before Leandro Trossard completed the comeback in the second half. Manchester City lost 2-0 at home to London club Crystal Palace with goals from Wilfried Zaha and Conor Gallagher either side of the interval. The champions played a big part of the game with ten men after Spanish international Aymeric Laporte was sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity.