Noni Madueke was one of our brightest sparks against Newcastle and the winger reflected on our final fixture as well as his own performances of late.
Madueke was a constant threat down our right-hand side, completing a game-high six dribbles as he regularly got to the byline and delivered dangerous deliveries that on another day would have earned him an assist or two.
He also went close a couple of times, but in keeping with so many of our games in 2022/23, we were not efficient enough in front of goal to secure the win against the Champions League-bound Newcastle having trailed to an early Anthony Gordon effort.
‘After the first 10 minutes it was a good team performance,’ analysed Madueke.
‘We have conceded the first goal at home so many times this season, it’s something we need to make sure is better for the next year. The performance after that goal was much better.
‘In transition they caught us a few times, they’re a good team. They have willing runners, good players, but we completely dominated the second half, and at points in the first half.
‘A few sloppy errors in possession but all in all it was a much better performance than we have shown in recent weeks. We deserved to win, but it’s been the story of our season, just not getting over the line when we need to.
‘We can go into the holiday with a bit of a better feeling. Although this season has not been at the Chelsea standard, I’m sure next season will be.’
Madueke has been handed a run of games XI under Frank Lampard having joined from PSV Eindhoven in January. He has started five of our six games in May and looked a real threat in each of them, with his direct dribbling and quick feet catching the eye.
This run of form has rounded off an enjoyable start to life at Stamford Bridge for the England Under-21 international.
‘I’ve enjoyed my six months so much. I’m blessed to play for Chelsea. That’s one thing I never take for granted.
‘I’ve been in the team for the last month and a half. The gaffer has shown great confidence in me. He has helped me a lot so I wish him all the best. He has probably taken my game to another level. I have a lot of levels I can get to and in time hopefully I will do that with the boys.’