Werner ends EPL goal drought as Chelsea beat Newcastle 2-0

LONDON (AP) :

Timo Werner's first goal in 15 Premier League games helped send Chelsea back into the top four with a 2-0 victory over Newcastle yesterday.

Werner's first league goal since November 7 - after Olivier Giroud's opener - meant the striker's top-flight goal drought lasted exactly 1,000 minutes.

New Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel had insisted only a goal could restore Werner's confidence and now the west London club will hope the summer signing can rediscover his top form.

The former Leipzig player also helped set up Giroud's goal in an encouraging all-round showing.

Newcastle couldn't replicate their performances from recent wins over Everton and Southampton and are just one place and seven points above the relegation zone.

Tuchel handed Kepa Arrizabalaga his first league start since October, having insisted the goalkeeper has a "new start" under him at Stamford Bridge. However, Kepa was hardly tested by Newcastle.

Tuchel, who has now overseen four straight league wins, also picked Tammy Abraham to start up front instead of Giroud but the striker had to limp off with an ankle problem after just 20 minutes.