Premier League news: Five ways Newcastle Utd bested Chelsea in race for CL football

Newcastle United proved far too strong for Enzo Maresca’s 10-man Chelsea side at St James’ Park on Sunday, securing a comfortable 2-0 win thanks to goals from Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães.

Here, Sports News Blitz writer Matt McKenry takes a look at five ways third-placed Newcastle outperformed their London rivals, placing them in a great position for Champions League football next season.

Tactical shuffle blunts Blues attack

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle played a slightly different system than usual against Chelsea as injuries to key players like Joelinton, Kieran Trippier, and Joe Willock meant that an alternative approach had to be taken in order to nullify the threats that Chelsea posed.

Sven Botman appeared in the starting line-up for the first time since returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines, making a back-three with wing-backs Jacob Murphy and Tino Livramento.

This set-up allowed for extra cover in defence as the team could retreat into a back-five system if necessary whilst also having the freedom to attack via overlaps on either side.

Such an approach was key to stopping the threat of players such as Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, and Noni Madueke, who all had trouble breaking down the Newcastle backline and causing any real danger.

Moreover, the home side’s midfield and attack pressed high from the start, hitting Chelsea with an explosive energy.

The gamble paid off as soon as the second minute, when Tonali tapped home a close-range finish from an inviting Murphy cross.

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Red card leaves visitors short

In the 36th minute, Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson was given a straight red card for serious foul play when he led into a challenge with his arm, elbowing Botman on the chin.

Originally whistled as a yellow-card offence, Jackson’s actions were subsequently checked by VAR and deemed severe enough to warrant a red card.

Chelsea had been going long from goal kicks for most of the first half and, despite seeing little luck against Newcastle’s towering defenders, the loss of their striker was a huge blow to their game plan.

At half-time, Chelsea made a change, bringing on Reece James for Madueke and pushing Moisés Caicedo into midfield to try and create an overload.

Newcastle then dug deep in the second half as Chelsea threw the book at them in order to try and get something from the game.

It wasn’t to be for the Blues, though, as the home side hung on to score a late second and seal the three points.

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Hosts’ mentality holds firm

A key difference between the two sides at St James’ Park was that Newcastle clearly wanted the victory more than their opponents.

Newcastle started the game with the confidence that they would get something from their most important game yet in qualifying for the Champions League – and they did just that.

Chelsea would have come into the game feeling confident too, following their big result against Liverpool the previous week, but their performance on the pitch was simply not good enough.

Howe, it must be said, prides himself on creating a great atmosphere in the dressing room and making sure that that is reflected on the pitch, and for the most part that was evident on Sunday.

Indeed, 10-man Chelsea pushed hard to find an equaliser in the second half, but Newcastle were in no mood to roll over.

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The impact of Anthony Gordon

Since his return from injury, Gordon has had to be patient in getting another start in the Premier League, due to both fitness issues and the brilliant form of Harvey Barnes.

Gordon’s return to the line-up was, however, fast-tracked this weekend on account of missing personnel, and he proved crucial to the outcome.

His pace was notably key in stretching Chelsea’s defence, with makeshift right-back Caicedo struggling to contain him early on.

Another aspect of Gordon’s game is that his pace plays a significant role in Newcastle pressing from the front in a tactic that forces the opposition into traps or going long.

Chelsea tried such an approach, but Newcastle had the answers and happily exploited proceedings to regain possession.

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St James’ Park atmosphere

The home fanbase always makes St James’ Park a tough place to visit and Sunday was no different.

Over 52,000 filled the ground, with most wearing the black-and-white stripes and waving flags while a display from Wor Flags sent a clear message: ‘Get into them’.

Newcastle supporters, remember, are often considered a twelfth man, even by Chelsea legends such as French centre-back Marcel Desailly, who once described the stadium as “quite scary” and consistently having a “good crowd”.

At the end of the day, Newcastle were simply more prepared and better equipped than their opponents on Sunday.

And with Champions League qualification still to be finalised, it was a massive three points in Newcastle’s quest to return to Europe’s elite competition next season.

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