Manchester United vs Newcastle LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction today

The contrast in Chelsea’s first-half display was most evident in the respective performances of Saul Niguez and Mateo Kovacic.

The latter created the only goal of the game so far superbly, winning the ball back in midfield before moving forward and clipping a precise through ball towards the penalty area for Lukaku to do the rest.

Saul, on the other hand, has dawdled on the ball in midfielder and been caught in possession on far too many occasions. His need for extra time is costing his team in dangerous areas and he’s been bailed out by team-mates including Mendy and Thiago Silva too often.

It might not be long until we see Jorginho replace him.

45+2 - The referee has blown the half-time whistle and somehow Chelsea remain in the lead at Stamford Bridge despite being second best for the majority of the contest.

Romelu Lukaku scored his first goal in 15 appearances at this stadium to the give the Blues the lead, collecting a wonderful ball from Mateo Kovacic before turning past Axel Tuanzebe and tucking a finish through Jed Steer’s legs.

But since then Villa have had all of the chances and the brilliance of Édouard Mendy is the major reason Thomas Tuchel’s men still hold the advantage.

42’ - Ezri Konsa wins the ball back with a sliding tackle in midfield and sets Jacob Ramsay on his way. The 20-year-old advances towards the penalty area and hits a left-footed shot in the direction of the near post which Édouard Mendy once again has to react quickly to save.

Ramsay is impressing here so far but Mendy has been by far the most valuable player on the pitch.

37’ - Saul Niguez has been absolutely dreadful this afternoon and has just given the ball away again in a dangerous area under no pressure whatsoever.

Thiago Silva makes a foul to stop an attack progressing and is fortunate to get away without a booking.

McGinn floats the cross towards Konsa at the far post but it’s too heavy and out for a goal-kick.

33’ - Tyrone Mings takes the ball down in the penalty area from a free-kick and hits a half volley towards goal which Édouard Mendy palms away, before a re-bound shot comes from Ezri Konsa which the Chelsea stopper does brilliantly to claw around the post.

Villa are completely dominating play here, and creating plenty of chances, but they need to take advantage now.

27’ - Tyrone Mings is the second Villa player to go into the book in this first-half.

He spotted an opportunity to try and win the ball back high up the pitch but slid directly into Callum Hudson-Odoi rather than taking the ball.

Deserved.

24’ - Saul is caught in possession by John McGinn and then Ollie Watkins is found in the penalty area.

He rounds Édouard Mendy and pulls the trigger but Thiago Silva has positioned himself well and makes the block around eight yards out from goal.

It’s been all Villa since the Lukaku opener.

19’ - John McGinn takes an in-swinging corner aimed at Tyrone Mings at the near post.

The England centre-back can’t make a connection and neither can Douglas Luiz, but Mendy still has to make a save as the ball had so much curl on it that it was travelling directly towards the net.

The Lukaku goals certainly hasn’t damaged Villa spirits.

17’ - Villa respond quickly with Jacob Ramsay carrying the ball up the pitch and finding Ollie Watkins in the penalty area.

The England striker gets the ball out of his feet and hits a powerful low left-footed shot towards the near post which Édouard Mendy does brilliantly to turn behind for a corner.

14’ - He really is some player, isn’t he?

Romelu Lukaku is on fire in his second Chelsea spell and has given them the lead here after latching onto a superb Mateo Kovacic through ball, before cutting inside Axel Tuanzebe with his left foot and slamming a finish through Jed Steer’s legs with his right.

Great goal, great start.