Newcastle player ratings in defeat v Chelsea: Speed machine shines in 7/10 display
Matt Ritchie – 5
Something new for the Scottish international, as he was deployed down the left as a wing back as opposed to his natural position on the right flank.
He found himself in an advanced position more often than he would have expected in the opening minutes, but as the game wore on he was forced to sit back in order to weather Chelsea’s relentless attacks.
His defensive frailties were evident, Victor Moses taking full advantage for both the Blues’ second goal as well as the second half penalty, and it is an experiment that Rafa Benitez is unlikely to adopt any time soon.
Click below to see how we rated Newcastle’s players against Chelsea