Newcastle 4-1 Chelsea: What Were The Key Talking Points As Newcastle Obliterate Mauricio Pochettino’s Men At St. James’ Park?

Marking their return from November’s international break with a rampant performance at St. James’ Park, Newcastle breezed their way to a 4-1 romp against Chelsea on Saturday afternoon.

While Eddie Howe’s might have been without a string of first-team stars this weekend, the Magpies got off to a flying start as attacking talisman Alexander Isak bagged his seventh goal of the season after just 13 minutes.

However, although England international Raheem Sterling might have produced a wonderful free-kick to drag Chelsea level just 10 minutes after Isak’s opener, Mauricio Pochettino’s side came crashing back down to earth in an infamous fashion.

Putting in what was a nightmare second-half performance, the former Premier League champions were put to the sword as Jamaal Lascelles, Joelinton and Anthony Gordon ran rampant in the north east.

Moving within just three points of the Champions League spots, Howe’s squad also extended on their remarkable purple patch at St. James’ Park.

Nevertheless, while Newcastle deserved all of Saturday’s plaudits, Chelsea face another monumental backlash following a woeful performance outside of SW6.

With matters not helped in the second-half as skipper Reece James was shown a pair of bookings, Pochettino still has a major job on his hands at St. James’ Park.

In what was another action-packed affair from the north east on Saturday afternoon, we have taken a look at all of the main talking points.

Newcastle mark their return with a heavyweight statement

Heading into November’s international break with a shock 2-0 loss away at bottom-three contenders Bournemouth, Newcastle were certainly seeking a welcomed response on Saturday afternoon.

While Newcastle might face a real uphill battle in their bid to punch a Champions League knockout stage ticket this season, the Magpies made quite the statement here.

Breezing past the Blues here and putting in what was arguably a season-best performance at St. James’ Park this weekend, Newcastle now find themselves sat just three points adrift of breaking back into the top-four.

Although the former Bournemouth boss might have been unable to call upon a string of first-team stars here, Howe’s side have quickly gained a reputation for their continued success in the north east.

Including another 4-1 victory against French icons PSG last month, Newcastle have won seven of their previous eight showdowns at St.James’ Park across all competitions – a run that stems back to August 27th.

Pochettino still has a major struggle on his hands

Heading into November’s international break with a stunning 4-4 stalemate at home against defending champions Manchester City, it appeared that Chelsea had turned a crucial corner earlier in the month.

However, while the Blues might have traveled to St. James’ Park on Saturday afternoon looking to cash in on a Newcastle squad that were dealing with a stacked injury list, Pochettino’s side came crashing back down to earth in an infamous fashion.

Now needing a real miracle if their bid to book a crucial Champions League return this season, the former Tottenham boss will be most concerned by his side’s glaring defensive issues.

With just their goal difference now keeping them in the top-half of the table, Sunday’s guests have remarkably shipped eight goals in their back-to-back Premier League appearances on either side of the fortnight interval.

Mustering just a single top-flight victory since a 4-1 win away at relegation scrappers Burnley on October 7th, Pochettino’s downbeat squad certainly have a string of questions to answer when they return to west London.

Gordon & Isak steal the show at St. James’

With Callum Wilson suffering another injury set back and facing a stint on the sidelines, it was no secret that Isak had a crucial role to play on Saturday afternoon.

Continuing to shine since arriving in the at St. James’ Park last summer the ex-Real Sociedad striker has quickly become one of the Premier League’s most clinical finishers.

Along with Newcastle’s Swedish marksman notching his seventh Premier League strike of the season here, Gordon once again cemented just why he has become such a key part of Howe’s attack in the north east.

Becoming a real fan favourite and endearing himself thanks to a tireless work ethic, the England U21 international is also banging on the door for a senior call-up to Gareth Southgate’s squad.

Looking to make another Champions League statement when they travel to Paris on Tuesday night when they meet PSG, both Isak and Gordon will certainly have another leading role to play.

Match Report

Newcastle: Pope, Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Livramento, Miley, Guimaraes, Joelinton, Almiron, Isak, Gordon

Subs: Diallo, Dummett, Murphy, Ritchie, Ndiweni

Chelsea: Sanchez, James, Silva, Badiashile, Cucurella, Fernandez, Ugochukwu, Palmer, Gallagher, Sterling, Jackson

Subs: Madueke, Mudryk, Colweill, Caicedo, Broja

Goals: Newcastle: Isak (13’), Lascelles (60’), Joelinton (61’), Gordon (83’) – Chelsea: Sterling (23’)

Yellow Cards: Newcastle: Trippier, Joelinton, Lascelles, Ritchie – Chelsea: James, Colwill, Cucurella, Sterling, Ugochukwu

Red Cards: James (73’)

Referee: Simon Hooper