Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle United, Player Ratings: Ice ice baby

1. COLE PALMER (8.7)
   Alright stop, collaborate and listen! Ice is back with my brand new invention.

Actually, it’s not a new invention, but rather a return to form after a subpar outing against Liverpool last weekend. I know, a whole one-game drop in form! Inconceivable.

So, just a pass of the year candidate (sadly, secondary assists are still not an official statistic) and a wonderful finish to set the tone for the second half. 25th in the Ballon d’Or this year; what will it be next year?

2. NICOLAS JACKSON (7.7)
   Another excellent performance all around from Jackson, and his fifth appearance on the player ratings podium. Only Palmer has more.

Nico’s goal was his 20th in the Premier League, in his 44th appearance. That makes him the fifth fastest in club history to that mark, behind only Diego Costa, Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink, Cole Palmer, and Mark Stein. Pretty good company! (Drogba took 50, for what it’s worth.)

3. PEDRO NETO (7.6)
   Neto replaced Sancho in the “A” lineup, and rewarded his selection with an assist. Over to you, Jadon.