Newcastle Boss Eddie Howe touched upon the turning point that helped his side seal a crucial 2-0 win over Chelsea at St James’ Park.
Magpies manager pinpointed Nicolas Jackson’s first-half red card as the moment that shifted the momentum.
“The first half we were really, really good. The sending-off changed the game, and with the scoreline it became a tricky second half for us mentally,” Howe said to TNT Sports. “The message was to attack but on the pitch it felt different”
Sandro Tonali stuck early for the home side after he timed his run to perfection and converted Jacob Murphy’s low cross at the far post in the 2nd minute.
Chelsea’s hopes took a major blow in the 35th minute when Jackson was dismissed following a VAR review that showed him elbowing Botman. It left the visitors down to 10 men.
Blues still controlled possession after the break, forcing Newcastle into defensive adjustments. “Chelsea changed and tweaked things and made it difficult for us tactically, so congratulations to them, but we hung in there,”
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With pressure mounting, goalkeeper Nick Pope stepped up as he prevented Marc Cucurella’s and Enzo Fernando from scoring “The second half was stressful. I was pleased with how we defended. Nick made two magnificent saves for us and you can’t forget the part he played today.
Bruno Guimarães sealed it in the 90th minute with a deflected strike from distance.
The result puts Newcastle third on 66 points, three clear of Chelsea, who are clinging to the final Champions League spot.
What does this result mean for Newcastle Champions League aspiration?
Newcastle’s 2-0 win over Chelsea gives them a clear edge in the Champions League race. They face Arsenal (A) and Everton (H) in their final two games—one tough, one winnable.
Chelsea, now three points behind, must beat Manchester United (H) and Nottingham Forest (A). Manchester City, just one point off third, face Bournemouth (H) and Fulham (A), both favorable fixtures.
Aston Villa, level on points with Chelsea, meet Spurs (H) and Manchester United (A).
Nottingham Forest, also in contention, finish against West Ham (A) and Chelsea (H).
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