Newcastle player ratings in defeat v Chelsea: Speed machine shines in 7/10 display
Mikel Merino – 6
Handed the responsibility of being the crux of the Newcastle midfield, it was not the most convincing start from the Spanish maestro.
His passing was uncharacteristically wayward, with Chelsea often forcing him to play side to side or to those behind him, and he was a contributor to handing the Blues possession on several occasions.
It was a display which grew in stature, but he still tried to be too clever with the ball at his feet, losing position time and again.
Click below to see how we rated Newcastle’s players against Chelsea