10 men Chelsea defeated 2-0 at St James’ Park despite a valiant performance in the second 45.

This loss leaves us needing two wins from our last two, to secure top five, now without a recognised striker as well after the pathetic behaviour of Nicolas Jackson in the first half.

Robert Sanchez – 5

Not a positive or a negative really. Couldn’t do anything for either of the Newcastle goals and his distribution was a little dodgy, largely because of how high we were being pressed.

Moises Caicedo – 7

Had a tough opening to the game today but majorly improved in the second half when he moved into midfield. Anyone is going to have a hard day against one of the league’s biggest cheats in Anthony Gordon, and I thought overall Caicedo had a good game.

Trevoh Chalobah – 6

Had to put in a huge shift today and I thought he did okay all things considered. By no means as good as last week but we had a ridiculous task today up against that crowd, that referee, and Jackson’s antics.

Levi Colwill – 7

Much the same as Chalobah really but I thought Colwill edged it out of the pair of them. Some crucial interventions in the game, had a decent day.

Marc Cucurella – 7

Fantastic especially when we were down to 10 men and during the second half. Was a good threat and unlucky not to score either.

Romeo Lavia – 6

Struggled to begin with but certainly did come into the game I thought. You could definitely see the youth in him with how he struggled to deal with the early onslaught, but no doubt we did see a lot of confidence as the game went on.

Enzo Fernandez – 7

A valiant effort at both ends of the pitch. Did everything he could to be a threat and made sure we didn’t totally sink in the second half.

Pedro Neto – 6

Did pretty well and probably our most productive attacker, in terms of his efforts in getting us up the pitch mainly. Not mad at all.

Cole Palmer – 5

Didn’t think he offered us anything today in our time of need. Wasn’t an easy game to get into, and we definitely didn’t get the ball to him enough but, that’s what it was today.

Noni Madueke – 5

Never in the game in the 45 minutes he played and no surprise it was him sacrificed at half time. Not really a lot to say.

Nicolas Jackson – 0

I don’t know if I’ve given a zero before but today warrants it. Petulant, pathetic and childish are the three words I’d use to describe what he thought was a good idea to do today. Getting himself sent off, and missing the last two games this season could well cost us UCL football.

Substitutes:

Reece James – 6

Did well in the second half, allowed us to keep a level of control even with 10 men and somewhat unfortunate not to nick a late leveller.

Malo Gusto – N/A

Jadon Sancho – N/A

Enzo Maresca – 7

Got it wrong at the start but I can’t fault the management of the game with 10 men, we did well to stay in it. All on the next two…