For the game against Newcastle, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca opted to start the duo of Reece James and Malo Gusto, with James slotting in the left-back position this time.

James managed to perform, playing 90 minutes and making several key blocks to help Chelsea preserve the lead.

Explaining his decision, Enzo Maresca said in a press conference after the game: “I think it worked top.

“We tried to do something: we moved Reece to the left side and we also moved for the first game of the season, Cole to the left pocket and the reason was to try and attack on that side. Malo in the right pocket, I think it worked very well.”

Palmer indeed ran the show in midfield, and aside scoring the match-winning goal, Palmer used his intelligence and awareness to pick the holes in Newcastle’s press.