EPL: Newcastle Beat 10-Man Chelsea to Close in on Champions League Spot

Newcastle United defeated 10-man Chelsea 2-0, moving closer to a Champions League spot. Sandro Tonali's early goal and a Bruno Guimarães' deflected strike sealed the win.

Newcastle United moved closer to securing a Champions League spot with a crucial win against Chelsea at St James' Park. Sandro Tonali scored within two minutes, giving Newcastle an early lead.

The Magpies and Chelsea started the day locked on the same 63-point tally before Newcastle got the perfect start when Sandro Tonali's close-range finish gave them the lead after just 112 seconds.

Chelsea's challenge was made tougher when Nicolas Jackson was sent off just before halftime for a forearm smash on Sven Botman. Despite the setback, Chelsea pushed hard for an equalizer in the second half.

Manager Enzo Maresca adjusted by using Cole Palmer as a false nine, inspiring a Chelsea revival after the break, with keeper Nick Pope twice saving well from Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez.

Chelsea's chances took a hit as Newcastle snatched a late win when Bruno Guimarães' shot deflected off Malo Gusto and looped over Robert Sánchez.

The loss leaves Chelsea facing a tough run-in, including home matches against Manchester United and a crucial visit to Nottingham Forest on the final day. Newcastle, now third, travels to Arsenal before ending the season at home to Everton.

The celebrations when the final whistle sounded illustrated the importance of this win as Newcastle and manager Eddie Howe stand on the brink of closing out a magnificent campaign.

They secured their first major domestic trophy since 1955 - their first success of any kind since the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup - when they beat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley in March.

And now, after a hard-fought win against a Chelsea side rivalling them for a place in the Champions League, Newcastle are in prime position to return to Europe's elite competition next season.

They travel to Arsenal before hosting Everton in their final game of the season, with crucial momentum gathered after surviving a nervous second half to overcome Chelsea.

A huge victory for @NUFC that lifts them up to third place 🪜#NEWCHE pic.twitter.com/hTZf5BPOx0

— Premier League (@premierleague) May 11, 2025

Tonali helped his side make their usual whirlwind start on Tyneside, but the emphasis of the game shifted following Jackson's red card and those tactical adjustments from Maresca.

The anxiety among the Toon Army could be heard and felt as Chelsea established control, but Newcastle found heroes in keeper Pope, who came to the rescue when required, and giant hometown hero Dan Burn, who gave a towering defensive display.

Newcastle players felt immense relief when Bruno Guimarães scored the winning goal, securing the win.

With this momentum, Newcastle is well-positioned to finish the season strong.

Chelsea's task was tough after going 1-0 down, and Nicolas Jackson's red card for a forearm to Sven Botman's head made it even harder.

Despite Enzo Maresca's tactical adjustment, Chelsea couldn't overcome the numerical disadvantage, with Cole Palmer's new role bringing some improvement but ultimately not enough.

Chelsea could have earned a point but instead fell further behind Newcastle, now three points back with two games left.

Reece James' late header over the bar will be a source of regret, especially as Newcastle scored shortly after. Chelsea's push for a Champions League spot remains uncertain.