.jpeg?crop=3:2,smart&trim=&width=640&quality=70&enable=upscale)
Newcastle United moved up to third in the Premier League table with a 2-0 victory over Champions League qualification rivals Chelsea.
Sandro Tonali handed the Magpies the lead inside the opening two minutes before Chelsea were reduced to 10 men through Nicolas Jackson’s red card. Despite United’s extra man advantage, it was nervy second-half until Bruno Guimaraes added a second right at the death.
Eddie Howe was forced into two changes from last Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion. Kieran Trippier (calf) and Joe Willock (knee) dropped out and were replaced by Sven Botman and Anthony Gordon.
There were just two minutes on the clock when Newcastle took the lead. Tonali robbed Romeo Lavia of possession before the ball made its way out to the right-hand side, where the Italian advanced into the box to direct Jacob Murphy’s cross home.
Chelsea were beginning to get a foothold but were dealt a huge blow when Nicolas Jackson was shown a red card in the 35th minute for an elbow on Botman. John Brooks initially awarded a yellow card but VAR sent the referee to the pitch side monitor and he changed his decision.
Despite being a man down, Chelsea largely dominated the second-half but two important saves by Nick Pope kept them at bay. Guimaraes then confirmed the three points in the 90th minute when his deflected shot beat goalkepeer Roberto Sanchez.
Our writer Jordan Cronin was at St James’ Park - and here are his Newcastle United player ratings:
5. Sven Botman - 7
No signs of any rustiness on his first start in three months. Involved in a key moment in the match after being on the receiving end of a Nicolas Jackson elbow. | Getty Images
6. Dan Burn - 8.5
Pushed high in the first-half as Newcastle went on the front foot. Played deeper in the second-half and made some big challenges and clearances. | Getty Images
7. Tino Livramento - 8
Popped up in all kinds of positions for Newcastle in the first-half and caused problems. More regimented in the second-half although did create a great chance for Harvey Barnes. | AFP via Getty Images
8. Sandro Tonali - 7
Won the ball high in the build-up to the opener before finishing the move off himself. A strong first-half but faded after the break. | Getty Images