I watched Cole Palmer save Chelsea and now know what Mauricio Pochettino must do to succeed

Many will not care how Chelsea ended up at their 3-2 victory over Newcastle, the three points are priceless for the Blues and Mauricio Pochettino against Eddie Howe’s side who were very underwhelming at Stamford Bridge. However, if the Argentine wants to make this the first step to a brighter future the questions of his project still need answering.

Speaking ahead of the game, Pochettino bit back at critics saying: “I see the fans are not going to love another coach because if you compare with the past when you are in a different project…people need to understand. I try to explain but okay, if I talk and I move my mouth but you don’t hear anything….that is the point.”

Although they came away with a desperately-needed win in their clash with Newcastle it was almost single-handedly secured through the efforts of Cole Palmer, whose goal and assist proved the difference before substitute Mykhailo Mudryk produced some fancy footwork and a composed finish. There were further glimpses of light from Malo Gusto and Marc Cucurella too.

Chelsea have spent huge amounts of money, hardly new information. However, perhaps what needs to be the new thing in west London is consistency and with so many players having been brought in this has been lacking in Pochettino’s selections besides one area.

The midfield three: Conor Gallagher, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez are undisputed at this stage but elsewhere there are changes every single week. It begs the question of how a side with so much talent can acclimatise, can learn and become familiar with each other when these persistent changes exist.

Yes, injuries have forced Pochettino’s hand at times but when the formation and XI keep on changing regardless of who comes in and out it sparks