Jackson sent off as Chelsea’s Champions League hopes take huge dent in Newcastle defeat

Nicolas Jackson was given his marching orders in the first half, as Chelsea succumbed to a 2-0 loss to Newcastle in the Premier League.

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Goals from Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimares condemned Chelsea to defeat and leaves their hopes of playing in the Champions League hanging by a thread.

Sandro Tonali struck the opener just 1 minute and 52 seconds in—Newcastle’s fastest ever Premier League goal against Chelsea, while Bruno Guimarães sealed the win late on with a long-range effort, his first goal at St. James’ Park since 2022.

Chelsea’s hopes took a major blow when Nicolas Jackson was sent off in the 35th minute, his first Premier League red card.

Despite no shots on target in the first half, Chelsea improved slightly after the break but couldn’t prevent their six-game unbeaten run from ending.

The result allowed Eddie Howe’s side to leapfrog Manchester City into third, following City’s goalless draw at Southampton.

Tonali has now scored three goals in his last eight appearances, while Jacob Murphy registered his 12th assist of the season, the most by a Newcastle player since the 1999/00 season.

Chelsea’s poor form on the road continued, marking their sixth away defeat in nine games. They’ve earned just five away points since Christmas, a tally better only than Leicester and Southampton. Meanwhile, Newcastle recorded their 20th league win of the season for the first time since 2002/03, the last time they finished in the top three.