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.
Chelsea news: Enzo Maresca’s five selection headaches that expose the Blues’ chaos
In the space of just under a week, Chelsea have been knocked out of the FA Cup and overtaken in the race for Champions League qualification, dropping to sixth in the Premier League table.
As a result of back-to-back defeats to Brighton - the latter a humiliating 3-0 demolition - pressure has begun to mount on head coach Enzo Maresca, whose young side has won just two of their last nine league games.
Chelsea news: Chelsea’s striker gamble backfires as Nicolas Jackson’s injury exposes attacking crisis
Chelsea's attacking woes have deepened with the news that Nicolas Jackson, their primary striker, is sidelined until April due to a hamstring injury.
The timing couldn’t be worse, with Enzo Maresca already navigating an inconsistent season.
Brighton vs Chelsea: Five key battles and score prediction for Premier League clash
While Chelsea hope to cling on to that crucial fourth spot in their bid for Champions League qualification, Brighton will be looking to do the double over the Blues and re-enter the tight race for European football next season.
Sports News Blitz’s resident Chelsea expert Henry Eccles analyses five key battles and gives his score prediction for the Premier League match.