November 25, (THEWILL) – Newcastle United produced a superb second-half performance to beat Chelsea 4-1 at St James’ Park on Saturday. Despite missing 13 senior players through injury, the Magpies responded perfectly to their 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth before the international break.
The home side took an early lead through Alexander Isak, before Raheem Sterling equalised with a brilliant free kick. However, Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles made up for his earlier error by powering home a header to restore the Magpies’ lead on the hour mark.
Chelsea’s afternoon went from bad to worse when a mistake from veteran defender Thiago Silva allowed Joelinton to pounce and make it 3-1. With the visitors reeling, Anthony Gordon compounded their misery with a fine solo goal to wrap up a mightily impressive victory for Eddie Howe’s depleted side.
The win lifts Newcastle up to sixth place in the EPL table, while Chelsea’s inconsistent run of form under Mauricio Pochettino, which seemed behind them, continues. The Blues had won their previous two matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, but came unstuck against a youthful and dynamic Magpies outfit.
To make matters worse for the visitors, full-back Reece James was sent off late on to cap a miserable afternoon in the North East. Newcastle now turn their attention to a crucial Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, where Howe will have to cobble together a team from his heavily reduced squad.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
