The Blues suffered a third straight Premier League defeat to leave themselves with a mountain to climb to seal a top-four finish after the World Cup
After three defeats in their last four, Chelsea manager Graham Potter could not afford another woeful performance against Newcastle on Saturday. And yet that's exactly what the Blues served up in their 1-0 loss at St. James' Park.
Joe Willock popped up to fire the Magpies to an important victory, lifting Eddie Howe's team up to third in the Premier League before the World Cup break.
But while Newcastle are flying, Chelsea can only sing the blues as they suffered a third straight loss; a run that has dropped them to eighth in the table.
It's the first time in 20 years that the west London side have suffered three straight losses (excluding penalty shootouts), and this was certainly a deserved one.
Potter has a monumental task ahead of him to fix a side who were second best throughout. They struggled to deal with the pressure from Newcastle at times and were hopeless going forward, with Armando Broja kept silent up front as Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher were unable to offer him any support or build any attacks.
At the back, the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta and Kalidou Koulibaly were totally exposed and looked totally unworthy of a place in the starting XI.
Getty ImagesThe Winners
Joe Willock:
Willock had been dangerous at times in the first half up against Cesar Azpilicueta and popped up with the vital goal in the second half. It was a fantastic strike from the 23-year-old, and his second in successive games following his goal against Southampton the previous week. It was a deserved reward for his role in Newcastle's high-press that rattled the visitors throughout.
Reece James:
Oh how Chelsea are missing this man! The Blues looked weak on their right side all through the game, with Azpilicueta exposed and Conor Gallagher unable to get things going in attack because of some poor decision making. The injured right-back's absence was felt throughout this match and it shows just how important he is to Graham Potter's team.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe Losers
Cesar Azpilicueta:
The Spanish veteran looked out of his depth for spells in this game, with the Magpies putting him under pressure when they attacked down their left wing. He was too slow and easily exposed, leaving Potter no choice but to take him off at half-time to bring on Christian Pulisic. The Blues coach will be desperate to replace the club captain in the near future.
Kalidou Koulibaly:
Another disappointing display from the centre-back, even though he looked good at the start of the match. He was awful for the goal as he did nothing to stop Miguel Almiron on his run towards Chelsea's goal. The centre-back made it easy for the attacker, offering a lame attempt to stop him before Willock pounced and sent his shot past Mendy from the edge of the box. Koulibaly was too slow to react on many occasions, and it resulted in him getting booked late on for a silly foul.
Graham Potter:
The Chelsea manager has a tough job ahead of him and is getting a sense of how much work he has to do to fix this team. His side were totally stifled in this game and were second best all the way through. The Blues have now lost three in a row and could see themselves fall further away from a European place if the coach cannot get them playing well again soon.
Getty ImagesChelsea Ratings: Defence
Edouard Mendy (6/10):
He pulled off a couple of saves to deny the home team but his distribution was terrible yet again.
Cesar Azpilicueta (4/10):
Had a hard time when Newcastle attacked down his side and was useless in possession as he constantly passed it backwards. Came off at half-time.
Trevoh Chalobah (6/10):
Similarly frustrating on the ball as he constantly passed back to Mendy instead of looking for a way to build something for his side.
Kalidou Koulibaly (5/10):
Started off well by making some important interventions but his weaknesses were on display midway through the first half and left the Blues in danger as Newcastle upped the intensity in the second period. He should have done better against Miguel Almiron for the goal.
Getty ImagesMidfield
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (N/A):
Had to be replaced just seven minutes in because of an injury.
Mateo Kovacic (5/10):
A poor display from the Croatia international, who barely offered any protection in midfield and was not influential in attack, either.
Jorginho (6/10):
Slightly better than his fellow central midfielder but not at his best in this game as he struggled to deal with the pressure applied by the home team.
Lewis Hall (7/10):
Looked bright in his first Premier League appearance in what was a difficult match for his team before he went off with less than 20 minutes to play. Worked hard for the team and will surely get more playing time this season after that performance.