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Newcastle 2-1 Chelsea – Match Report & Your Reaction

By Billy -

Another below-par performance from Mourinho’s men spelled the end to Chelsea’s unbeaten run and opened up the title race yet again. 

For the second week running Chelsea dropped points in the North East, today losing to a Papiss Cisse double after last week’s frustrating draw against Sunderland.

Diego Costa returned to the Chelsea side after suspension but the Blues were without Nemanja Matic and were unable to extend their lead over Man City at the top of the League.

A quiet first half produced few clear cut chances as Oscar went nearest for Chelsea with an overhead effort and Jack Colback failed to score after finding space in Courtois’ area.

Willian also went close for Chelsea with a curling effort for the Brazilian could only watch his shot fizz wide.

It was goalless at half time after a performance from the league leaders which almost mirrored that of last Saturday; slow, lethargic and not what you’d expect from a team going for the title.

The second half was a different story as the game opened up and Papiss Cisse was bought on five minutes after the restart – a decision by Alan Pardew that would prove vital come the final whistle.

The striker had caused Chelsea problems in the past and Blues’ fans still remember his goal of the season at Stamford Bridge over two years ago which condemned Chelsea to defeat and ensured they missed out on a top four spot.

And, as Chelsea were just starting to build into the game, Cisse had put the hosts in front. Certainly not a goal of the season contender as he prodded home from close range, but a vital goal for the Magpies nonetheless.

Chelsea bought on Andre Schurrle, Filipe Luis and Didier Drogba in quick succession as they realised that, to win, they’d need two goals in a game in which they have rarely threatened.

However, they would be to no avail as Newcastle doubled their lead seconds after Eden Hazard had struck the post. Another easy one for Cisse as he pounced on a rebound after Courtois saved from Sissoko to give the hosts some breathing space.

A red card to Steven Taylor and a goal from Didier Drogba gave the Blues hope but Newcastle held on to grab another win as they continue their revival after a poor start to the season.

Chelsea on the other hand, need some fresh ideas if they are to maintain their lead at the summit. Manchester City can close the gap to three points when they play Everton later this evening.

Fabregas also picked up a yellow card which rules him out of Chelsea’s next league game against Hull City.

Chelsea certainly missed the presence of Nemanja Matic on the field today as they struggled to take control in the middle of the park.

After the game, Mourinho reacted to Chelsea’s unbeaten run coming to an end today:

We want to be Champions, we don’t want to be unbeaten.

“No complaints. Unlucky. We had lots of chances,” he added.

Chelsea play Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday, with many fans expecting Mourinho to shuffle his team around slightly after today’s disappointment.

Newcastle 2-1 Chelsea – Match Facts

  • This is the third time in Chelsea’s history where they have failed to win after going the previous 23 games unbeaten.
  • Chelsea had won 17 and drawn 6 of their games before today when their unbeaten run ended
  • Since the start of last season, Newcastle have been shown more red cards than any other Premier League side (9)
  • Papiss Cissé has now scored four Premier League goals against Chelsea – against no side has he scored more often
  • Papiss Cissé’s first goal ended a run of 498 minutes in all competitions since Chelsea last conceded a goal
  • Newcastle – 50 clearances, 18 blocks, 20 interceptions, 17 tackles won

Source: Opta & Squawka

Newcastle 2-1 Chelsea – Your Views

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