Marcos Alonso strikes twice as Chelsea get off the mark

Newcomers also shock Newcastle

London – English Premier League champions Chelsea got the boost they badly needed yesterday as a double from Marcos Alonso gave them a 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in Antonio Conte’s 50th game in charge.

The 26-year-old Spaniard struck the winner with less than three minutes remaining in an impressive show of character by Chelsea, after they had been pinned back when substitute Michy Batshuayi headed into his own net eight minutes from time.

Whilst the three points get Conte’s side off the mark, newboys Huddersfield Town made it two wins from two to sit just below leaders Manchester United on six points.

The Terriers beat a disappointing Newcastle United side 1-0 with Australian Aaron Mooy scoring a delightful curling effort.

Alonso had opened the scoring with a brilliant freekick in the 24th minute, and while Tottenham pressed hard for the equaliser, Conte’s side were unfortunate not to get a second when Willian struck the post in the second half.

It looked as if Conte would have to read more negative headlines today as Batshuayi, who had only been on the pitch for a few minutes, headed Christian Eriksen’s freekick past Thibaut Courtois.

“Unbelievable and at the end in front of our own fans. It couldn’t be better,” said Alonso.

“As for the free-kick, I don’t score those even in training let alone a match normally!”