NEWCASTLE, England – Newcastle United take lead in Premier League clash against Chelsea with a 1-0 victory at St. James’ Park on Sunday, May 11, 2025. Sandro Tonali opened the scoring just two minutes into the match, showcasing Newcastle’s intent to press early in the game.
The opening goal came after a swift counterattack where Jacob Murphy set up Tonali for an easy tap-in past Chelsea’s goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. The home crowd erupted, showing their excitement as Newcastle chased Champions League qualification.
As the match progressed, Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson saw red after a VAR review upgraded his yellow card for violent conduct against Sven Botman, leaving Chelsea a man down for the remainder of the match. This red card was pivotal, as Chelsea struggled to maintain possession while dealing with Newcastle’s relentless pressure.
“Jackson’s dismissal shifted the momentum completely,” commented former Newcastle striker Ally McCoist during the match. “Newcastle have been in control, and with Chelsea down a player, they’re in a prime position to extend their lead.”
Despite being a player down, Chelsea pressed forward looking for an equalizer with Enzo Fernandez leading the charge. However, the Blues struggled to create significant chances against a robust Newcastle defense.
With every passing minute, Newcastle maintained their composure. Forward Alexander Isak came close to doubling the lead before halftime, but his shot went just wide of the goal. The first half ended with Newcastle leading 1-0, and the Blues knew they would have to dig deep in the second half.
The intensity of the match increased as both teams looked for openings; however, the extra man advantage kept favoring Newcastle. The home fans continued to encourage their team, urging them forward in hopes of securing maximum points.
“We give thanks to our fans for the incredible support. Every shout, every cheer pushed us through today,” said Tonali during the post-match interview.
The second half saw few changes as both teams lined up the same way. Chelsea made a tactical substitution bringing Reece James into the game to bolster their defensive line.
Newcastle continued their dominance with several attempts forcing Sanchez into action. A key moment came when Harvey Barnes had a shot saved, showcasing Sanchez’s resolve despite being up against a refreshed Newcastle lineup.
“Newcastle displayed a sound strategy; their control of the game was evident from the start,” said BBC Sports commentator Alan Shearer, noting the effective tactics employed by manager Eddie Howe.
In the end, Newcastle held on for the win, leaving Chelsea to reflect on their missed opportunities and Jackson’s costly error. The win bolstered Newcastle’s hopes for a top-four finish while Chelsea remained in contention for European competition.
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