Chelsea star Moises Caicedo equalled a club record that has stood for six years as the Blues claimed a crucial 2-1 win against Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge yesterday.
The Blues went into the game with a stellar record against Newcastle on home turf, losing just one of their last 30 Premier League games against the Magpies.
Their incredible run of form includes a 12-match unbeaten streak against Newcastle (W11, D1), scoring 27 goals and conceding seven.
Determined to maintain their unbeaten streak, Chelsea started Sunday’s clash on the front foot and were rewarded for their endeavours inside the opening 20 minutes.
A defence-splitting pass from Cole Palmer set Pedro Neto on his way, and the Portuguese star skipped past a challenge before setting up an unmarked Nicolas Jackson to slot home from close range.
Alexander Isak got the Magpies back on level terms with a goal that survived a thorough VAR check.
However, Palmer, who had an early strike disallowed for offside, scored the match-winning goal two minutes into the second half.
While Palmer and Jackson stole the spotlight, Caicedo’s performance was also key to Chelsea’s crucial win on home turf.
The ‘fantastic‘ Ecuadorian midfielder had 71 touches and managed two key passes while winning four of his seven ground duels.
He also won all of his aerial duels and completed 49 out of 52 passes. Caicedo made seven interceptions against Newcastle, the joint most of any player in a Premier League fixture this season.
His outstanding performance in the middle of the park saw the 22-year-old star become the first Chelsea midfielder to record seven or more interceptions in a league game since N’Golo Kante against Tottenham Hotspur six years ago.
Caicedo has been in phenomenal form for Chelsea and has played every minute of Premier League football for Enzo Maresca’s side this season.
He’ll likely be given a breather when the Blues renew hostilities with Newcastle in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday.
Stats from Sofascore.com & Squawka.
