Newcastle United winless run in the Premier League stretched to five matches as they lost 2-1 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring for Chelsea in the 18th minute before Alexander Isak’s equalised on the half-hour mark. Isak, however, gifted Cole Palmer a goal immediately after the restart, which proved to be the winner.
The Magpies haven’t won at Stamford Bridge since 2012. The defeat leaves them 12th in the Premier League table.
Eddie Howe’s side were without Anthony Gordon because of a groin issue. He was one of two changes from the 1-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion with Jacob Murphy dropping to the bench as Miguel Almiron and Harvey Barnes came into the starting XI.
Chelsea were quick out of the traps and thought they had taken the lead just four minutes when Cole Palmer found the bottom right corner, however the goal was disallowed for offside following a VAR intervention.
But it didn’t stay goalless for much longer when Palmer superbly picked out the run of Pedro Neto, who ran in behind Tino Livramento and evaded the challenge of Fabian Schar to find the unmarked Jackson in the box.
Newcastle then levelled on the hour-mark when Livramento carried the ball forward, which eventually saw Alexander Isak tap home Lewis Hall’s cross. The goal was subject to a VAR check but Isak’s strike stood.
Isak undone his good work immediately after the break when he was dispossessed, allowing Palmer to charge forward and fire the ball past Nick Pope.
Our writer Jordan Cronin was at Stamford Bridge - and here are his Newcastle United player ratings:
5. Dan Burn - 5
Pushed high on Nicolas Jackson and got spun too easily. At fault for Palmer’s disallowed opener. A torrid first-half but improved the break. | Getty Images
6. Lewis Hall - 7
A big positive for Newcastle on his return to Stamford Bridge. Faced some difficult moments defensively but brought lots of energy going forward. Assisted Alexander Isak’s goal. | Getty Images
7. Bruno Guimaraes - 5
In and out of the game. Effective in some moments but careless in others. | Getty Images
8. Sandro Tonali - 6
Was neat & tidy on the ball and showed moments of class but a player of his quality is impacting the midfield as much as you’d like. | AFP via Getty Images