Newcastle United extended their unbeaten run to three matches, prevailing in a hard-fought 2-0 win over Chelsea at St James’ Park to aid their bid for UEFA Champions League qualification.
After half an hour of goalless action, both teams came out firing in attack, but clear-cut chances were uncommon. Isak nearly put his side ahead just before the hour, volleying a corner from Tonali and sending the ball inches over the bar. Chelsea responded through Cucurella, whose stinging low drive was parried away by Pope.
Despite spells of possession, Chelsea could not make the breakthrough as Fernández also saw his effort brilliantly pushed away by Pope with the tips of his fingers. James then wasted another chance, heading over the bar from a very close range.
As tension rose, the Magpies pounced. Bruno Guimaraes calmed the nerves of the home faithful by scoring his second late in the game. His effort loomed ominously after deflecting off Malo Gusto and over the head of Robert Sanchez.
With this result, Newcastle climbed to third in the standings of the Premier League with their UCL hopes strengthened. That also snapped Chelsea’s five-game winning streak in all competitions, with the Blues now in danger of slipping out of the top five if Nottingham Forest defeats Leicester.
