Kai Havertz scored a late winner as Chelsea beat Newcastle at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Given the current ownership at both clubs, much of the build-up focused on matters off the field and, frankly, that appeared to play out on the pitch.
A competitive first-half did not yield a shot on target for either team as Newcastle, reborn under Eddie Howe of late, made life difficult for the home side. Dan Burn in particular proved colossal, winning almost everything in the air as Thomas Tuchel’s men failed to carve any genuine openings.
The flashpoint of the first-half saw Burn hit the floor after Havertz’s elbow connected with his face, with the two then embroiled in a feisty on-field battle.
On a different day, the German could well have seen red.
Jacob Murphy’s claim for a penalty not long after the interval was waved away, a decision perhaps somewhat fortunate for Trevoh Chalobah, after the Chelsea man had been twisted inside and out as he backed into the box.
Timo Werner, as is all too often the case, saw his touch let him down on the one occasion he broke behind the Newcastle defence and later saw a penalty claim of his own denied for an offside call.
Where Reece James proved the difference away at Burnley last week, Chelsea looked short of invention.
That was until Havertz, a man to have already written himself into the club’s folklore, brought down a lofted Jorginho pass with a stunning display of close control. The forward’s first touch took Martin Dubravka out of the game, allowing him to poke home at the death.
On what could prove to be an infamous day in Chelsea history, the first game since Roman Abramovich was sanctioned, Havertz once again made his mark.
