Newcastle United were outclassed by Chelsea at St James’ Park in a 2-0 defeat which saw The Magpies fall to back-to-back Premier League defeats.

The Blues took the lead on 10 minutes when Mason Mount’s cross was diverted into Newcastle’s own net by Federico Fernandez.

Chelsea doubled their lead with just 25 minutes to go when Tammy Abraham slotted in from close range, a goal that was created by a stunning run from Timo Werner.

Newcastle were worthy losers this afternoon, having a pitiful single shot on target and just 29% possession of the ball.

It was a routine win for Frank Lampard’s side on Tyneside, a victory which seen them climb to the summit of the Premier League table.

Here are VAVEL’s Newcastle United player ratings:

The goalkeeper and defence

Karl Darlow - 8

Karl Darlow was the reason Newcastle only lost 2-0, and is the only Toon player that can leave St James’ Park with his head held high.

Darlow’s point-blank save to deny Abraham in the first half was the pick of the saves in a busy afternoon for the Newcastle goalkeeper.

Javier Manquillo - 4

Javier Manquillo struggled on his return to the side, with Werner and Mount in particular causing him plenty of problems throughout the 90 minutes.

Federico Fernandez - 3

That was potentially Federico Fernandez’s worst performance in a black and white shirt, an afternoon to forget for the Argentine.

The defender scored an unfortunate own goal and was partially at fault for Chelsea's second goal when he was burned for pace by Werner.

Jamaal Lascelles - 5

Club captain Jamaal Lascelles was the steadiest centre-back in the Newcastle side before he was forced off with an injury at half time.

But just like the rest of the defensive five, struggled to contain the Chelsea attack in the opening 45 minutes.

Ciaran Clark - 4

Similar to Manquillo, Ciaran Clark struggled in his return to the side and could not handle the Chelsea front line.

Jamal Lewis - 5

Jamal Lewis worked well with Allan Saint-Maximin down the left-hand side going forward, but invited the Chelsea cavalry whenever he pushed up the pitch.

The midfield

Jacob Murphy - 4

Jacob Murphy was moved back into his natural right-wing position this afternoon, despite performing very well at right-wing-back in the last few games.

Murphy could not make an impact in the final third, and head coach Steve Bruce may be better off returning him to the defensive line next time out.

Sean Longstaff - 7

Newcastle's best outfield performer was undoubtedly Sean Longstaff.

Longstaff created some good passes in the final third - and had The Toon's best chance of the game when the crossbar denied him of a stunning 25-yard effort which had Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy beaten at all ends up.

Isaac Hayden - 5

An early yellow card had Isaac Hayden on thin ice throughout the second half, which meant he was not able to utilise his hard-hitting play to his best ability.

Allan Saint-Maximin - 6

Saint-Maximin was bright in spells and had a good chance to equalise late in the first-half - but lacked that end product to pull Newcastle back into the game.

The forward

Joelinton - 5

Joelinton was drafted in to lead the line in place of the injured Callum Wilson, and as predicted, struggled to make an impact due to how isolated he was up front.

But, the £40 million man was impressive in his hold up play, and surely cannot be expected to score goals in a side that refuses to push up any higher than their own half.

The substitutes

Fabian Schar - 2

Fabian Schar, despite only playing half of a game, was the worst performer on the pitch this afternoon.

The Swiss international switched off for Chelsea's second goal, and looks like a player that does not know his role in this current team.

Miguel Almiron - 6

Miguel Almiron brought that pace and energy that Newcastle desired so much when he came on, but it was game over before he even arrived on the pitch.

Andy Carroll - 4

Andy Carroll came on in the last 15 minutes of the game, but did not create anything significant in his cameo appearance.