Newcastle 2- 0 Chelsea
by Roger Domeneghetti
at St James’ Park

NEWCASTLE may have secured their first domestic silverware in 70 years earlier this season, but this victory, which puts them within four points of qualification for the Champions League and all the riches that come with it, may ultimately be the one that defines their season.

It took just two minutes for Eddie Howe’s team to open the scoring. Sandro Tonali robbing Romeo Lavia on the edge of the area, playing the ball out to Jacob Murphy on the right then latching onto the return pass, his scuffed shot deceiving Robert Sanchez.

As the Italian wheeled away into the corner, St James’ Park erupted — it was just the start they needed for such a pivotal game.

Just over half an hour later, their task seemed to become a little easier when Nicolas Jackson was sent off after having elbowed Sven Botman in the head as they both leapt for the ball. Initially, John Brooks gave a yellow, but upgraded it to a red after being sent to the monitor.

It was hard to have sympathy for the Chelsea forward, as he had clearly eyed up his opponent before leading with his arm.

Chelsea, who have conceded just five goals in their last nine Premier League games, hung on to half time. After the break, they brought on club captain Reece James for Noni Madueke, with Moises Caicedo moving into midfield in a 4-4-1 formation.

It was a move that nullified the numerical disadvantage. For long spells, Newcastle looked like the team that were a man down, their touch in the final third deserting them. They laboured as Chelsea foraged for an equaliser and they looked the most likely to score. First Marc Cucurella and then Enzo Fernandez forced saves from Nick Pope, James also headed over.

Then, as the clocked ticked over to 90, skipper Bruno Guimaraes sealed the win, with a drive from 20 yards out that took a wicked deflection off Malo Gusto before looping over the outstretched Sanchez.

The victory sent Newcastle into third, but the road to the Champions League is still treacherous. They travel to Arsenal next weekend before hosting Everton on the final day of the season; neither easy. Chelsea host fellow European trophy finalists Manchester United next week, before a trip to Forest, currently just two points behind them with a game in hand, on the final day of the season. It is still all to play for.