2-goal James delighted as Chelsea thump Newcastle | OneFootball

Reece James scored twice to help Premier League leaders Chelsea beat Newcastle United at a packed St James' Park.

James blasted the ball into the roof of the net after Callum Hudson-Odoi's cross was headed into his path to put the visitors ahead after 65 minutes.

It became 2-0 12 minutes later when England wing-back James again struck powerfully past goalkeeper Karl Darlow after a shot from substitute Ruben Loftus-Cheek was blocked.

Darlow then fouled Kai Havertz to give Chelsea a penalty, which Jorginho converted for a third goal.

Newcastle, playing at home for the first time since Steve Bruce was sacked, struggled to create chances with England striker Callum Wilson heading a rare opportunity over the crossbar.

They remain without a league victory this season and are 19th in the table.

Afterwards, James said: “I think the first one was probably the better goal on my weaker foot - it was a good finish.

"We knew coming here would be a tough game. We had to break them down and it took a lot of time.

"A lot has happened with their club since the start of the season so you never knew what their approach would be like when things are new."