Newcastle United claim significant victory at Chelsea as Eddie Howe praises “long overdue” clean sheet
The Magpies won away at Stamford Bridge thanks to a first half goal from Anthony Gordon, combined with defensive solidity that has been missing of late.
Amongst the barrage of competitive matches that Newcastle United have played of late, it is perhaps worth remembering that the Magpies won their last outing in the Premier League. William Osula’s late strike against Manchester United was very memorable and meant that the European places were still just about within touching distance.
Qualifying for Europe again depends on Newcastle either winning the Champions League, which is perhaps unlikely despite the Magpies being in a good position in their last 16 tie against Barcelona, or finding further form in the top flight. Standing in their immediate path to another victory was a Chelsea side who have been very hard to predict at times.
Given Newcastle’s next two games after Chelsea are Barcelona and Sunderland, most would have predicted that the Blues may have been victorious over the Magpies who did make changes to their lineup. Not to be though, with Eddie Howe’s side coming away with a hugely significant win at Stamford Bridge, with Anthony Gordon scoring the game’s only goal.
Eddie Howe himself knew the importance of the victory, especially when considering what is to come for Newcastle. “It’s great to go into those games with the good feeling that we have”, Howe said, knowing that now more than ever, his team need positive momentum.
That can come from his attacking players putting the ball in the net, but also his defenders being watertight at the back, something they have not managed for several weeks. Therefore, this clean sheet in the capital will have been extremely satisfying, as well as “long overdue”, as Howe made clear.
“All eyes on Barcelona”, Howe remarked after defeating Chelsea. Newcastle probably had one eye on that fixture to come during their encounter with Chelsea, but it certainly didn’t show and they started their huge week in perfect fashion.
Ahead of kick off, the Chelsea players formed their team huddle around the centre spot, as has become a recent tradition under Liam Rosenior. However, as the television cameras captured, their huddle surrounded referee, Paul Tierney. It was such a strange phenomenon, with all watching completely baffled by the sight of it.
Was it a tactic to intimidate Tierney? Whatever it was, it give Chelsea the impetus early on to attack Newcastle. In recent weeks, Newcastle may have crumbled at such pressure, and inevitably make an individual error that would lead to a goal. This time was different, however. Those in black and white stood firm, and weathered the early storm.
In doing that, Newcastle gained the confidence they needed to gain the lead. Tino Livramento burst forward out of defence with the ball, before cutting open the Chelsea defence with a pass through to Joe Willock. Willock was one-on-one, but unselfishly squared the ball to Anthony Gordon who then had the easy task of tapping home into an empty net.
Against the run of play it may have been, but it highlighted that the Magpies were on course to execute the textbook away performance. For Chelsea, despite their attacking prowess in the opening period, their defensive laziness was showcased by this goal. Not only was the gap in the middle of their back line far too wide, allowing Willock to get away, but once Gordon set off to create an option, the lack of effort from Wesley Fofana to chase back was inexcusable.
The one goal lead could have quite easily become two ten minutes before half time, when Malick Thiaw was wrestled to the ground in the box by Reece James. Tierney was unmoved, with VAR confirming his decision. Replays showed that James was very lucky to get away with his actions though. Maybe Tierney had been intimidated before the start of proceedings.
The second half saw Newcastle sit deep and defend their lead. They defended manfully, limiting Chelsea to precious few openings, and when Aaron Ramsdale was called into action, he was equal to everything thrown at him. There was clear frustration on the faces of the home players and supporters, symbolic of the season that they are having.
Of course, Newcastle have had an equally frustrating league campaign, but this display was one of a side with renewed confidence. Newcastle, one suspected, could have elevated their attacking performance if needed, whereas Chelsea looked stumped as the game reached its conclusion.
When the final whistle blew, it left Newcastle just six points behind their opponents with eight games to play. Chelsea currently occupy fifth place, which will likely be a Champions League spot come the end of the season. Many had written off finishing that high up the table, but is there now a glimmer of hope?
Eddie Howe will not dwell on that. His focus will be on Barcelona, and making club history in Europe. That is the nature of Newcastle United’s unrelenting season - one huge game after another.