Newcastle boosted their bid for European qualification with a 1-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Anthony Gordon’s first-half strike (18) proved to be the only goal of the game as Newcastle produced a textbook away performance that could have taken them a vital three points in the race for European qualification.
Tino Livramento’s pass broke down the Chelsea defense, allowing Joe Willock to score. The midfielder went on to tee it up for Gordon, who was able to slot home the winner.
The match was the perfect tonic for Eddie Howe’s side ahead of their trip to Barcelona in midweek as they move up to ninth, six points behind fifth-place Chelsea with eight games left in the season.
Chelsea controlled the ball during big plays but could not find a way through Newcastle’s solid defence. Substitute Liam Delap missed a good opportunity and Reece James’ late free-kick hit the post and Chelsea had a poor week.
It was a chance for Liam Rossinier’s side to move up to third with a win, having lost all their Champions League hopes in a 5-2 defeat to PSG in midweek, but there was none of the urgency to plague Newcastle as they suffered their eighth defeat of the season.
Live on as Manchester United take on Aston Villa sky sports Defeat on Super Sunday represents a huge missed opportunity in the race for Champions League qualification. They are three points behind both Villa and United, who have played more games.
Sunday, March 15th at 1pm
Kickoff at 2pm
Sunday, March 15th at 4pm
Kickoff at 4:30 PM
Where was Chelsea’s Plan B?
Lewis Jones on Sky Sports:
Chelsea have been dangerous and creative under Liam Rosenior’s reign so far, but this felt like the first sign that the project had hit a stubborn Newcastle wall.
It was a reminder that smooth attacking patterns and fluid football are only possible in the Premier League when space disappears and opponents refuse to play together. Chelsea had never failed to score in the league under Rosenior before. Until now, there has always been a breakthrough. Always a moment of incision. It’s always a solution.
There was none against Newcastle.
When Chelsea play through their team they look passionate. When the pitch expands and transitions open up, attacking players thrive. However, when games are compressed, the system can start to look a little one-sided.
Newcastle asked Rosenior a simple question. What happens if Plan A isn’t enough? Chelsea had no answer.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Chelsea’s pre-match huddle featured a special guest ahead of kick-off against Newcastle!
Newcastle have a template for troubling Barca.
Sky Sports Oliver Yu at Stamford Bridge:
It was like watching Newcastle under Eddie Howe.
It was a game filled with the energy and organization that were the hallmarks of Howe’s success at Newcastle, exemplified by the hard-working Anthony Gordon who created the game-winning moment.
This is a huge result for Eddie Howe’s side and could be a springboard for the season in terms of moving up the Premier League table.
Newcastle United’s Joe Willock (left) and Chelsea’s Romeo Rabia play at Stamford Bridge.
In what looked to be a somewhat exhausting season, they are now back in the mix for European qualification, six points behind fifth-placed Chelsea.
They also have a template for success when they travel to Barcelona for the Champions League round of 16 second leg.
If they can replicate what they produced at Stamford Bridge, they will have enough tools and pace to trouble Barca on the break.
