Potter: Out of form Chelsea “can improve”
Newcastle host Chelsea in this Premier League clash which could have a big impact on the top four race. The Magpies sit third in the table after a seriously impressive start and will secure that place for the World Cup break if they defeat Graham Potter’s men at St. James’ Park. The hosts start the match six points clear of Chelsea and can extend that to nine making a top four finish tricky for the Blues.
Newcastle have won their last four matches, with Miguel Almiron playing like a man possessed with insatiable goal-scoring hunger. The forward won the Premier League’s player of the month award thanks to six goals in six games whilst Eddie Howe was also named manager of the month for leading the North East side up the table.
In contrast, the pressure on Potter is ramping up following a run of four Premier League games in a row without a win for Chelsea. Back-to-back defeats to Brighton and Arsenal are a significant concern ahead of the World Cup but Chelsea can ease the pressure by defeating Newcastle and closing the gap on the top four.
Follow all the action as Newcastle play Chelsea in their final match before the World Cup break:
Newcastle 1-0 Chelsea
83 mins: Newcastle clear their lines and send the ball up to Callum Wilson. He shields the ball and holds it up as he’s got no support up top to help him out.
Wilson dribbles along the centre line and draws Kovacic into a foul. Solid centre forward play.
Michael Jones12 November 2022 19:15
Newcastle 1-0 Chelsea
80 mins: The corner ball is whipped across to Chelsea substitute Kai Havertz who rises above Sean Longstaff to win the ball in the air but he fires his header over the crossbar!
10 minutes to play at St. James’ Park.
Michael Jones12 November 2022 19:11
Newcastle 1-0 Chelsea
77 mins: Mateo Kovacic brings Chelsea up the pitch and slides a pass out to the left wing where Christian Pulisic collects it and drives up to the box. He chips in a cross and sees Dan Burn turn it behind for a corner.
Michael Jones12 November 2022 19:10
Newcastle 1-0 Chelsea
74 mins: Eddie Howe decides that now is the time to make his first change and he brings Callum Wilson on to replace Chris Wood. It’s an attacking move from theNewcastle boss who obviously thinks the game is there to be won.
Michael Jones12 November 2022 19:06
Newcastle 1-0 Chelsea
70 mins: That goal may just kick some more life into Chelsea. They need to get back into the game and start taking the initiative.
Newcastle have been allowed to dictate play and Joe Willock’s wonderful finish has given the home side a foothold in the game.
Michael Jones12 November 2022 19:02
GOAL! Newcastle 1-0 Chelsea (Willock, 67’)⚽️
67 mins: Jaw-dropping strike! Newcastle work the ball over the top to play Miguel Almiron in behind. He brings the ball under control and cuts inside before nodding it into the box away from Kalidu Koulibaly.
Joe Willock arrives and drills a beautiful first time strike, directing it into the far top corner of the goal!
Michael Jones12 November 2022 18:57
Newcastle 0-0 Chelsea
63 mins: Just under 30 minutes of play left at St. James’ Park. This game has the feel of either a goalless draw or a late 1-0 winner.
Save! Chelsea have grown into the second half and work the ball up to Armando Broja. He feeds it off to Conor Gallagher but shifts to the right and curls a shto at the far corner.
Nick Pope leaps his his left and confidently palms the ball behind for a corner.
Michael Jones12 November 2022 18:56
Newcastle 0-0 Chelsea
60 mins: Kalidu Koulibaly has gone down clutching his hamstring. He’s the captain of the Senegal World Cup team so he won’t want to pick up a bad injury today.
The defender seems okay to play on though.
Michael Jones12 November 2022 18:51
Newcastle 0-0 Chelsea
57 mins: Close! Gallagher steps out of the back line to try and win the ball off Willock but the midfielder shimmies past him and whips a cross into the box.
Chris Wood lunges for the dropping ball but Lewis Hall turns it wide for a corner.
Michael Jones12 November 2022 18:49
Newcastle 0-0 Chelsea
54 mins: Newcastle have started the second half as the much better side. They’ve kept Chelsea penned in and have intensified their pressing.
Chalobah manages to clear the ball up to Pulisic but he can’t find a way through the midfield. Suffocating stuff from the home team.
Michael Jones12 November 2022 18:46
