Chelsea went down to defeat in the North East on a huge afternoon in the race for Champions League qualification next season. The Blues and Newcastle kicked off level on both points and goal difference with just three games left to play this term and today’s game at St James’ Park always felt crucial in the battle to finish in the Premier League top five.
Enzo Maresca’s side had rediscovered some form at just the right time and last weekend’s shock 3-1 home win against title winners Liverpool - in which Cole Palmer finally ended his long goal drought - strengthened their bid to finish in the Champions League spots. But Chelsea have a tough run-in, with Manchester United up next at Stamford Bridge before a trip to Nottingham Forest on the final day of the season, and lost 2-0 at St James’ Park after having Nicolas Jackson sent off.
Chelsea have now lost on their last four visits to St James’ Park, including a 2-0 defeat in the Carabao Cup last 16 earlier this season. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Dom Smith.
Newcastle vs Chelsea latest news
Live updates
Full-time: Newcastle 2-0 Chelsea
A damaging result for Chelsea in the battle to qualify for the Champions League.
GOAL! Newcastle 2-0 Chelsea | Guimaraes 90’
Guimaraes shoots from outside the area and his effort takes a huge deflection off Gusto and loops over Sanchez and into the net. Game over
Dom Smith
Maresca's side have been really brave in this second half and gone at Newcastle for a sustained period. James unlucky with the header. If they lose, Chelsea will have paid for carelessness from Lavia and Jackson in the first half.
Newcastle 1-0 Chelsea
88 mins: Chance for Chelsea! Gusto crosses for James and he heads over unmarked from about 10 yards. Was that their chance to salvage something? Will Chelsea get a better one?
Newcastle 1-0 Chelsea
85 mins: Into the final five minutes. There are definitely some nerves around St James’ Park. Can Chelsea create another chance?
Newcastle 1-0 Chelsea
84 mins: Guimaraes gets a yellow card for a late foul on Fernandez.
Newcastle 1-0 Chelsea
81 mins: Chance for Chelsea! A left-foot shot from Fernandez looks to be sneaking in before Pope makes a fingertip save. Big save from the Newcastle goalkeeper.
Newcastle 1-0 Chelsea
79 mins: Chelsea are having a decent little spell now. They win a corner, which is cleared, and then Palmer gets a cross all wrong.
Newcastle 1-0 Chelsea
77 mins: Chance for Newcastle! Good play from Newcastle and Barnes has a chance to kill the game. But Barnes takes a heavy touch a Sanchez gathers. Let-off for Chelsea.
Newcastle 1-0 Chelsea
75 mins: Into the final 15 minutes. You feel these are a big 15 minutes for both clubs in their seasons.
MORE ABOUT