A clever flick from Nicolas Jackson, a thunderous drive from Cole Palmer, and a moment of individual brilliance from Mykhailo Mudryk helped Chelsea secure an important 3-2 victory over Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on Monday night.

Jackson put the Blues ahead after just six minutes as he improvised inside the penalty box to guide a low drive from Palmer into the corner of the Newcastle net. Further chances were created but the Blues went into the interval level after Alexander Isak struck late into the first half.

Palmer ensured Pochettino’s side responded in fine fashion in the second period, as he drove the ball home from the edge of the box just before the hour mark. Mudryk’s moment of magic, as he skipped past two challenges and Martin Dubravka, gave us breathing space.

Chelsea still had to survive a nervy finish as Magpies substitute Jacob Murphy’s screamer flew past Djordje Petrovic in the 90th minute. But the Blues saw out addition time without further drama to put themselves back in the hunt for a European place.

Mauricio Pochettino made two changes from the side that drew 2-2 at Brentford. Levi Colwill and Ben Chilwell dropped out to be replaced by Raheem Sterling and Marc Cucurella. A fast start was needed. It arrived and the Blues were ahead inside six minutes. Malo Gusto’s positive run forced an opening down the right, with Sven Botman’s clearance running straight to Palmer.

Palmer’s low shot was flicked goalwards by the perfectly positioned Jackson, who sent the ball beyond Martin Dubravka and into the corner of the goal in front of the Shed End.