The Magpies took the lead against the reigning Premier League champions through Dwight Gayle, who took full advantage of a mix-up in the Blues’ backline.

However, the impressive Eden Hazard brought Antonio Conte’s side back on level terms, and Alvaro Morata’s close-range header completed a quick-fire turnaround.

Hazard’s panenka penalty put the outcome beyond doubt 15 minutes from time, and Merino admitted to nufc.co.uk that the Blues’ quality told the longer the game went on, drawing comparisons with the Magpies’ 4-1 reverse at Manchester United a fortnight ago.

“It was near the same game – they are great teams and if you start scoring, they wake up and they go with all they have,” he said. “In both games, we made a good start, in both halves, but in the end the individual skills they have won the match.

“Chelsea are a really good team – they have pace, they have ability and they are individually one of the strongest teams in the Premier League. The way they play is so hard to play against. We started by scoring a goal, but in the end they have pace, ability and they have won the match.”

After almost a month on the sidelines, Merino was handed a second start in the space of a week at Stamford Bridge, having completed 90 minutes against West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday night.

The young Spaniard says he is beginning to feel more and more like his old self, and believes the Magpies have an opportunity to put a testing period to one side when they face Leicester City in the first of two successive home fixtures next Saturday.

“Playing at home is always an advantage for us. The strength of the crowd is important and I think with all the strength they give us we will improve,” he said. “We know we have to keep working like this. We have to be patient and confident in our possibilities.

“I’ve played a few matches in a row after the injury. I think I’ve responded well – I am feeling better. I am not at 100 per cent but it is a question of time.”