Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson was sent off at St. James’ Park as the Blues fell 2-0 at Newcastle United as both teams continued their chase for qualification to next season’s UEFA Champions League in Sunday’s early Premier League kick-off.
Jackson initially got a yellow but was sent off after VAR review for smashing an arm into Sven Botman’s face as the Senegal international grew frustrated as the game progressed, with the Magpies taking a second-minute lead through Sandro Tonali’s volley before having to hold off Enzo Maresca’s Blues.
The visitors should have scored at least a goal, with Enzo Fernandez meeting Jadon Sancho’s lay off and forcing Nick Pope into an excellent one-handed save, before Reece James headed narrowly off target with the goal at his mercy.
But it was not to be Chelsea’s day at Tyneside, as Bruno Guimaraes saw his shot take a deflection off Malo Gusto to leave Robert Sanchez stranded as the ball looped over the Blues keeper for Newcastle’s second in the 90th minute.
The result takes Newcastle United above Manchester City into second spot with 66 points, a point ahead of City and three points clear of Chelsea who remain fifth with 63 points, though could drop to sixth if Nottingham Forest win at relegated Leicester City later on Sunday.