Newcastle United co-owner delivers assessment of controversial Chelsea defeat

Mehrdad Ghodoussi was “so proud” of Newcastle United’s performance at Chelsea, despite suffering a heartbreaking late defeat.

Eddie Howe’s side were moments away from claiming a rare point at Stamford Bridge before Kal Havertz struck on 89 minutes.

A precise pass by Jorginho unlocked a disciplined and organised Magpies defence as Havertz got ahead of Burn to fire past Martin Dubravka.

Indeed, there was controversy surrounding the Germany international, who many felt was lucky to still be on the pitch following a first half elbow on Burn.

That was one of two calls United thought referee David Coote and VAR got wrong after Jacob Murphy was denied what Howe labelled a “stonewall penalty.

It was a cruel way to end the Magpies’ nine-game Premier League unbeaten run - but co-owner Ghodoussi remained heartened at full-time.

He tweeted: “So proud of this team. An incredible performance. They left everything on that pitch.

“Any other day and we’d be walking away with 3pts.”

Howe’s side sit nine points above the relegation zone with a huge trip to Everton next up on Thursday night.

Frank Lampard’s Toffees sit outside of the bottom three but only on goat difference having lost 1-0 to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday