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:
9. Joelinton - 6
Looked well up for it in the opening 20 minutes but faded until moving out to the left-hand side midway through the second-half. | Getty Images
10. Miguel Almiron - 5.5
Got into some dangerous positions but lacked execution, summed up when he brilliantly controlled Bruno Guimaraes’ ball over the top though produced a tame effort. | AFP via Getty Images
11. Harvey Barnes - 5
Played a role in Isak’s goal but poor decision making overall. Cut inside trick was dealt with by Malo Gusto. Too predictable. | AFP via Getty Images
12. Alexander Isak - 4.5
On the scoresheet but really did let his team down in other key moments. Lost the ball for Cole Palmer’s goal and should have made it 2-2 but for trying to walk the ball into the net. Howler. | Getty Images