'We need' - Mehrdad Ghodoussi issues strong Newcastle United message after Chelsea win

Newcastle United co-owner Mehrdad Ghdoussi has issued a rallying call to supporters following the 4-1 victory over Chelsea at St James' Park.

The Magpies were without 13 senior players for the visit of Mauricio Pochettino's side with Joe Willock the latest player to join the growing list of absentees.

It forced Eddie Howe to name a depleted bench made up of three goalkeepers, four under-21s players, plus the experienced Matt Ritchie and Paul Dummett.

But even in the face of adversity, Howe's men responded emphatically by putting the in-form Blues to the sword.

Alexander Isak, back from a groin injury, opened the scoring before Raheem Sterling levelled before half-time. After the break, however, United surged to victory via goals from Jamaal Lascelles, Joelinton and Anthony Gordon.

Providing his verdict on social media after the game, Ghodoussi issued a strong message to supporters.

He posted on X: "What a team #nufc we need to give these guys more support in the stadium, we need to be louder, we need to be the 12th man. #HWTL"

Fellow co-owner Jamie Reuben replied: "What a team and yes we need to match the intensity of the players with our support".

Newcastle now travel to the French capital to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday before welcoming Manchester United to Tyneside next Saturday.

United's injury situation isn't expected to improve dramatically before then with perhaps the exception of Sean Longstaff.