Chelsea’s Champions League hopes are hanging in the balance after they were defeated 2-0 by Newcastle at St James’ Park. The Blues played most of the match with 10 men after Nicolas Jackson was sent off 10 minutes before the interval for catching Sven Botman in the face with his forearm.
Newcastle went ahead just two minutes into the match after Sandro Tonali turned in a cross from Jacob Murphy. The Italian dispossessed Romeo Lavia on the edge of the box in the lead-up to the goal before laying the ball off to Murphy and getting on the end of the winger’s return ball. The Blues were dreadful in the opening period but improved after the break as they asked questions of the hosts. Enzo Maresca’s men weren’t able to find a breakthrough, however, and Newcastle put the game to bed in the 90th minute when Bruno Guimaraes bagged his side’s second. And Express Sport runs through the Chelsea player ratings.
Chelsea player ratings vs Newcastle (4-3-3)
Robert Sanchez: 5
Was put under pressure by the Newcastle forwards every time he got the ball and didn’t help his team with his kicking. His long kicks forward were often cleared by giant Magpies defender Dan Burn, with his shorter passes sometimes going astray.
Moises Caicedo: 7
Was utilised at right-back instead of in midfield, despite the fact Maresca had Reece James sitting on the bench. Committed a number of fouls but produced a solid display.
Trevoh Chalobah: 7
Defended well as Chelsea were put under enormous pressure from a string of Newcastle attacks. Made some important tackles and made his presence known at the heart of the Blues backline.
Levi Colwill: 6
Decent on the ball but was up against it with the likes of Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy asking him questions. Didn’t stand up to the challenge as well as Trevoh Chalobah.
Marc Cucurella: 4
Was a weak link in the backline and wouldn’t have instilled his team-mates with confidence with his performance in the north east. Was exposed defensively and hardly excelled going forward. Did force Nick Pope into a fine save midway through the second half, however.
Romeo Lavia: 5
Was guilty of giving the ball away on the edge of the box after being tackled by the goalscorer early into the match. Then somehow managed to avoid a yellow card after clattering into the back of Guimaraes just before the break.
Enzo Fernandez: 6
Put in the hard yards as usual but failed to get a foothold on the game, even when the visitors had 11 players. With his ability and big-game experience he should dominate his midfield duels and run the show.
Pedro Neto: 7
Was direct and attempted to utilise his pace whenever he was able to. Was a bright spark, but didn’t have enough opportunities to hurt the home defence.
Cole Palmer: 6
Has well and truly gone off the boil over the past few months and has nowhere near the same level of threat in the final third as he did earlier in the campaign.
Was challenged by Pedro Neto at half time when the duo were making their way off the pitch and his influence on the team appears to be waning. Will be desperate to return to his top form as soon as possible.
Noni Madueke: 4
Was ineffective during the first half as Chelsea struggled to keep the ball in the final third of the pitch. Was hauled off at half time as James came on in his place.
Nicolas Jackson: 4
Gave his team the unenviable task of trying to overturn a 1-0 deficit at St James’ Park with 10 men after catching Botman. Didn’t show enough during his time on the pitch, and his team-mates won’t be thanking him for leaving them short.
Substitutions
Reece James: 6
Had more influenced than Noni Madueke after replacing the winger at half time. Headed the ball off target when presented with a huge chance just before the end when his side were trailing 1-0.
Jadon Sancho: 6
Came on for Trevoh Chalobah with 15 minutes remaining as Chelsea went all out attack.
Malo Gusto: 6
Was introduced at the same as Jadon Sancho as Romeo Lavia was brought off.
