Sunday Mirror

WILL TO SUC Brazilian star saves Sarri’s blushes Blues boss shows he needs a top st

CHELSEA 2 NEWCASTLE 1

- By SIMON MULLOCK at Stamford Bridge

LEE JOHNSON saw the dramatic impact of his substitute­s as a sign that City are ready to maintain a Championsh­ip play-off challenge.

The head coach may never make more effective changes than sending on Matty Taylor and Kasey Palmer, with his team a goal down just beyond the hour mark.

Bolton had taken a 58th-minute lead through Will Buckley’s header when Johnson (below) used all his subs at once, also sending on Jay Dasilva to try and pep up a goal-shy attack.

Within five minutes, Taylor and debutant Palmer had netted goals to turn the match and leave City within two points of a top-six place.

Johnson said: “The strength of our bench is a big difference to this time last year when we were relying on the same players with tired legs and saw our challenge fade.

“You can make changes, but it is down to the attitude of the subs and how well they have warmed if they make an impact.”

Taylor made the biggest impact, equalising with a low 64th-minute drive that beat Ben Alnwick at his near post.

Almost before the cheering had died down, the striker volleyed a cross for Chelsea midfield loanee Palmer to mark an impressive first appearance with a header that just crossed the line.

Bolton’s goal came against the run of play. Full-back Lloyd Kelly has been attracting a host of Premier League scouts, but it was his error that allowed Sammy Ameobi to drive in a cross for Buckley to nod home.

Bolton boss Phil Parkinson said: “I was very disappoint­ed with their goals.

“The second came from us twice being beaten to touches at a corner.” MAURIZIO SARRI made his point – but the Chelsea boss will be glad he doesn’t have to walk a mile in Rafa Benitez’s shoes.

Sarri’s decision to go into a game against one of the Premier League’s bottom three without a recognised striker smacked of a coach sending a message about where his club’s priorities should lie during this month’s transfer window.

Olivier Giroud was left on the bench for 86 minutes and Alvaro Morata given the night off – and it needed a flash of Brazilian brilliance from Willian to get his manager off the hook.

Pedro gave Chelsea an early lead – only for Newcastle to hit back through Ciaran Clark’s powerful header just before the break.

But, with the home fans starting to get restless, Willian settled the game in the 57th minute with a brilliant curling strike.

Benitez ( left) has said that Newcastle will need a miracle to stay up. But, after earlier results had conspired to send

Newcastle’s total of 18 points from their the Tynesiders plunging into the relegation zone, they showed a real togetherne­ss, character and commitment.

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley roused himself to take up a place in the posh seats – and his club’s magnificen­t supporters gave him constant reminders that he’s the most reviled man in Toon.

Benitez has worked wonders with a pittance. There was even a first league start for 21- year- old local lad Sean Longstaff in midfield.

And, whi l e Sar r i ’ s preoccupat­ion is at the opposite end of the table, the sound of his £43million signing Jorginho being je for his umpteen pass will have stu

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