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Premier League:
Touching distance!

Newcastle  2  Chelsea  0

Match action is online here

Latest Premier League table - top 10: 

Newcastle took a colossal step towards securing Champions League football next season at St.James' Park on Sunday afternoon, scoring goals in the opening and closing stages of the game to defeat a ten man Chelsea side.

Less than two minutes had gone when Sandro Tonali flicked home at the Leazes End, before Bruno Guimaries hoisted his shot into the Gallowgate net in the final seconds of normal time to seal victory and move his side into third spot. 

On identical points and goal difference with the visitors at kick-off, United failed to build on that early lead but were handed a further advantage when a yellow card shown to Nicolas Jackson for bludgeoning Sven Botman was upgraded to a red in the 35th minute after a pitchside VAR review.

Botman was one of two changes to the starting line-up that drew 1-1 at Brighton; brought into a three man defence at the expense of Kieran Trippier while Anthony Gordon replaced Joe Willock - neither of the two players omitted making the bench due to fitness concerns.

The hosts were unable to press home their numerical superiority before the break and found Chelsea a rather different prospect after the interval, Cole Palmer pushing into the attack and his colleagues pressing Jacob Murphy on the right hand side of the home defence.

That was exacerbated by the replacement of Botman by Miley and after an uncomfortable 10 minutes, Emil Krafth appeared from the bench to take over at right back - Gordon's exit allowing Harvey Barnes switch flanks to the left and Murphy be reinstated on the opposite wing.

A home crowd who had roared their heroes on to the field grew increasingly tense as United dropped deeper and deeper and conceded a worrying number of corner kicks.

Nick Pope denied both Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez, while forgettable shooting and poor passing left United unable to exploit occasional sights of goal at the other end.

Bruno wastefully attempted to break the net with a first time volley from almost in the six yard box before Chelsea substitute Reece James botched a presentable header.

Daylight was belatedly put between the sides though - on both the field and the league table - in the last seconds of normal time, Bruno atoning for his earlier profligacy with a shot from the edge of the box that flicked off a defender before looping over the helpless Robert Sanchez.

That clinching goal was scored from not far off the spot that Alan Shearer had memorably netted against the same opponents back in April 2004 - and equally celebrated - although we will admit to concerns that Bruno would get a second yellow after uprooting the Strawberry corner flag and raising it to the heavens in celebration.

The basis for this deserved victory came from United's fast start and while the red card aided our cause, referee John Brooks struggled at times to deal with the cowardly antics of the visiting side, led by pantomime villain Cucurella.

Given some of what went on here and the furious response of Fabian Schar to one sly dig in his direction, the absence of Joelinton may actually have been a blessing - tempting as it was to imagine him wading in to seek vengeance....

Newcastle's Champions League aspirations then received a further boost after Leicester City took a point from their visit to the City Ground - a result that leaves Nottingham Forest four points behind the black and whites.

The weekend's fixtures concluded with Arsenal sharing four goals at Anfield, leaving them just two points clear of United ahead of next Sunday's visit to the Emirates.

Ex-Magpie Mikel Merino will miss that reunion with his old team though, following his dismissal at Liverpool.

The prospect of finishing as runners-up is an enticing one, but regardless of what happens at Arsenal, the task of staying in the top five will be accomplished by defeating Everton at Gallowgate on the final day of the season.  

Team: Pope, Livramento, Schar, Botman (Miley 55), Burn, Guimaraes (Longstaff 90+4), Tonali, J.Murphy, Gordon (Krafth 65), Barnes, Isak (Wilson 90+4)
Subs n/u: Dubravka, Ruddy, Neave, Osula, Lascelles.

Booked: Schar, Murphy, Guimaraes, Krafth.

Goals: Tonali 2, Guimaraes 90. 

CFC: Sanchez, Caicedo, Cucurella, Colwill, Chalobah (Sancho 75), Lavia (Gusto 75), Fernandez, Madueke (James 46), Neto, Palmer, Jackson.
Subs n/u: Acheampong, Badiashile, Dewsbury-Hall, George, Jorgensen, Adarabioyo.

Booked: Fernandez, Colwill.
 
Sent off: Jackson (35)

Crowd: 52,231 including 3,000 away fans.

Home fans entering the ground by 11am received a voucher for a free drink that had to be redeemed by 11.30am.

Full time saw SJP echo to Blur's "Parklife", swiftly followed by "Chelsea Dagger". It's fair to say that Newcastle supporters left with a sense of enormous wellbeing....

Missing from the squad due to injury, Joelinton was present to cheer on his colleagues, resplendent in a 1995/96 home shirt complete with "Shearer 9" decals.

Following last weekend's Rugby League Magic Weekend, the efforts of Wor Flags resulted in a fine spectacle to welcome the teams to the field, crucially boosting the volume levels to offset the tragically early KO time. 

Thanks to everyone who entered our score prediction competition, to win a limited edition signed vinyl copy of Andrew Cushin's new album "Love is For Everyone."

There were multiple correct entries meaning that a random draw was required to establish the winner, which brought forth the name of Stephen Boyles.

Eddie Howe: 

"The first half we were really, really good. The sending-off changed the game, and with the scoreline it became a tricky second half for us mentally. The message was to attack but on the pitch it felt different. Chelsea changed and tweaked things and made it difficult for us tactically, so congratulations to them, but we hung in there.

"The second half was stressful. I was pleased with how we defended. Nick (Pope) made two magnificent saves for us and you can’t forget the part he played today.

"We always look at the opposition and see what the best system would be. We also lost Kieran (Trippier) and Joe Willock so we had to think about the balance of the team. It was a mixture of both things (to play with a back three).

"Having three centre-halves helped us defensively but we still looked a threat the other way. That’s the key thing – some of our attacking play was really good. We just needed the second goal at that stage.

"The sending-off changed the game. With the scoreline as it was, it was a tricky second half for us mentally because we wanted to go and attack, and that was the message.

"It was anxious in the second half, that was an interesting 45 minutes. We played really well in the first half, we were electric, but a mixture of things - the psychology of the game, the scoreline, 10 v 11 - it made it a difficult second half. I thought Chelsea did really well but we hung in there.

"The way we play has to fit the culture of the club and what the supporters want. They want fast, attacking, aggressive football; that’s perfect for me. I love to try to give them what they want. 

"The start today was amazing – the atmosphere was everything we hoped it would be and then the players delivered. The crowd were up for the game, the atmosphere was amazing. 

"I think the challenge today was the early kick-off. Could we find the voice and the intense atmosphere that we needed? It is very different to kicking off later. I thought the supporters were magnificent - maybe the free pint helped!

"We're on the road to what we want to do this season, but there's still a lot of work to do and two tough fixtures to play.

"The size of the prize is huge, the players are aware of that. There was a worry when we won the (Carabao Cup) trophy that there would be a negative consequence of that, but I think it actually gave us confidence.

"A massive win for us, and we knew that, of course, before the game, we knew the importance. It's so tight, that will put us in a stronger position, but it's still very tight and two games to keep our focus and to try and get as many points as we can."

On the red card offence:

"I thought initially my gut reaction was that's a sending off because I could sort of see that Jackson wasn't looking at the ball, he was looking at the man and I think that always puts you in a vulnerable position, especially if you make contact with your elbow like he did.

"I've just seen it when I was being interviewed on the TV there, and for me, my opinion hasn't changed. I do think it's a red.

"I don’t want to see red cards in games unless it’s clear and obvious. The visual cues are there. I’m sure he hasn’t meant to elbow him but it doesn’t look great."

On Sven Botman:

"He was slightly uncomfortable in the half time break with a knee problem. I don't think it's serious. He was obviously OK to carry on but he was feeling something.

"With that in mind, and the fact I thought we needed to change tactically, we made a change and brought Lewie (Miley) on.

"It was a big moment for Lewie, and I thought he handled that situation, with a lot of pressure on him, really, really well. I was really pleased with him.”

On Emil Krafth:

"I thought Emil did really well. It was a difficult time for any defender to come on to the pitch with so much at stake. He used his vast experience and delivered a strong performance." 

On the absent Trippier and Willock:

"Kieran has a calf problem and Joe has a thigh problem - they're both similar injuries.

"We don’t think they’re serious, but we don't know if we'll see them again this season.

"We’d love to get them back fit, and able to play a part, but at this moment in time, I’ve not really got any idea whether or not that’s possible.”

On the absent Joelinton:

"When you miss a player like Joelinton, he’s such an infectious character in so many different ways. When he’s missing, you’re looking for someone to step up. 

"It’s the same with Kieran (Trippier). He’s got so much experience and is very vocal, and you miss his vocal presence when he’s not there and not playing. I thought the players that came in did elevate us.

"I thought we played really well in that first half. I changed the system, and that changes a lot of things for us, but I thought the players’ tactical understanding was brilliant.”

Latest PL results:

Sat 10.05.2025:
Fulham 1-3 Everton
Ipswich Town 0-1 Brentford
Southampton 0-0 Manchester City
Wolves 0-2 Brighton & Hove Albion
Bournemouth 0-1 Aston Villa

Sun 11.05.2025:
Newcastle 2-0 Chelsea
Manchester United 0-2 West Ham
Nottingham Forest 2-2 Leicester City
Spurs 0-2 Crystal Palace
Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal

Referee: John Brooks - fourth posting of the season for the Leicestershire official and a second in the PL after the 1-0 victory over Arsenal. Brooks also took charge of the 2-0 Carabao Cup success at Arsenal and the Final at Wembley.

VAR: Darren England

Stats: 

Newcastle's sixth successive home league victory means that they've won 12 PL games at SJP this season: matching their 2022/23 tally and their highest total since racking up 15 back in 2002/03.

United have won four successive league and cup home games against the Blues for the first time in the PL era.

Sandro Tonali netted his fifth PL goal for Newcastle.  

PL goal number 21 for Bruno Guimaraes as a Magpie.

Tonali's opener was the third fastest goal Newcastle have scored in the PL so far this season:

26 seconds Isak v Ipswich Town (a)
80 seconds Gordon v Aston Villa (h)
111 seconds Tonali v Chelsea (h)
113 seconds Murphy v Leicester City (a)

Jamaal Lascelles appeared in a first team squad for the first time since going off injured during the PL home win over West Ham back in March 2024.

Blues @ SJP - Premier League era:

Update:
Badge re-imagined

Championship:
Playoffs - halfway

U21s:
Buddies beaten

St.Mirren XI  2  Newcastle U21s  3

Belated confirmation that Newcastle U21s were in friendly action last Tuesday; coach Diarmuid O'Carroll making a successful return to his former club St.Mirren.

Goalscorers for United at the first team ground in Paisley were Josh Donaldson, Alfie Harrison and Trevan Sanusi.

The Magpies second string will play a further friendly this coming Tuesday, hosting Celtic behind closed doors.

Premier League:
Arsenal (a)

Team: Lewis Hall and Matt Targett miss out, with the status of Joelinton, Kieran Trippier and Joe Willock tbc.

Coral rate this game as follows:

NUFC win 29/10
The draw 13/5
AFC win 10/11

New customers receive a £20 bet when staking £5 (T's & C's apply). Find those markets online here 

AFC: Mikel Merino is suspended after his dismissal against Liverpool while Declan Rice is doubtful after missing Sunday's 2-2 draw at Anfield with an unspecified injury. 

Referee: tbc

VAR: tbc

UK TV: Live on Sky Sports

City centre bars with live TV coverage include:

The Dog & Parrot on Clayton Street West.
Frate in the Bigg Market.
Pumphreys in the Bigg Market.

The game will be live at WonderBar in The Gate.

UK Radio: Live on BBC Radio 5 Live Sport

Rail: Scheduled disruptions are online here

Kings Cross station is closed all weekend.
Charing Cross station is closed all weekend.
Liverpool Street station has a reduced Sunday service.

Tube: Scheduled disruptions online here

Piccadilly Line closures all weekend: Kings Cross St Pancras to Uxbridge and Osterley.

District Line closures all weekend: Turnham Green to Ealing Broadway.

DLR closures all weekend: Stratford International to Woolwich Arsenal and Poplar to Beckton.

Elizabeth Line on Sunday: reduced service between Paddington and Heathrow Airport.

Stats: 

Magpies @ Gunners - PL era:

2024/25 Won 2-0 Isak, Gordon (LC)
2023/24 Lost 1-4 Willock
2022/23 Drew 0-0
2021/22 Lost 0-2
2020/21 Lost 0-3
2020/21 Lost 0-2 (FAC)
2019/20 Lost 0-4
2018/19 Lost 0-2
2017/18 Lost 0-1
2015/16 Lost 0-1
2014/15 Lost 1-4 Perez
2013/14 Lost 0-3
2012/13 Lost 3-7 Ba 2, Marveaux
2011/12 Lost 1-2 Ben Arfa
2010/11 Won 1-0 Carroll
2008/09 Lost 0-3
2007/08 Lost 0-3
2007/08 Lost 0-3 (FAC)
2007/08 Lost 0-2 (LC)
2006/07 Drew 1-1 Dyer
2005/06 Lost 0-2
2004/05 Lost 0-1
2003/04 Lost 2-3 Robert, Bernard
2002/03 Lost 0-1
2001/02 Lost 0-3 (FAC)
2001/02 Won 3-1 O'Brien, Shearer, Robert
2000/01 Lost 0-5
1999/00 Drew 0-0
1998/99 Lost 0-3
1997/98 Lost 1-3 Barton
1996/97 Won 1-0 Elliott
1995/96 Lost 0-2 (LC)
1995/96 Lost 0-2
1994/95 Won 3-2 og(Keown), Beardsley, Fox
1993/94 Lost 1-2 Beardsley

NUFC final away game results - PL:

2023/24 Won 4-2 at Brentford
2022/23 Drew 1-1 at Chelsea
2021/22 Won 2-1 at Burnley
2020/21 Won 2-0 at Fulham
2019/20 Drew 0-0 at Brighton
2018/19 Won 4-0 at Fulham
2017/18 Lost 0-1 at Spurs
2015/16 Drew 0-0 at Aston Villa
2014/15 Lost 1-2 at QPR
2013/14 Lost 1-2 at Liverpool
2012/13 Won 2-1 at QPR
2011/12 Lost 1-3 at Everton
2010/11 Drew 2-2 at Chelsea
2008/09 Lost 0-1 at Aston Villa
2007/08 Lost 1-3 at Everton
2006/07 Drew 1-1 at Watford
2005/06 Drew 0-0 at Birmingham City
2004/05 Lost 0-2 at Everton
2003/04 Drew 1-1 at Liverpool
2002/03 Drew 2-2 at West Bromwich Albion
2001/02 Lost 1-3 at Southampton
2000/01 Lost 0-3 at Liverpool
1999/00 Drew 0-0 at Derby County
1998/99 Lost 0-2 at Leicester City
1997/98 Lost 0-1 at Blackburn Rovers
1996/97 Drew 0-0 at Manchester United
1995/96 Drew 1-1 at Nottingham Forest
1994/95 Lost 0-1 at Blackburn Rovers
1993/94 Lost 0-2 at Sheffield United

Remaining PL fixtures:

Fri 16.05.2025:
Aston Villa v Spurs (7.30pm) Sky
Chelsea v Manchester United (8.15pm) Sky

Sun 18.05.2025:
Everton v Southampton (Noon) TNT
West Ham v Nottingham Forest (2.15pm) Sky
Brentford v Fulham (3pm)
Leicester City v Ipswich Town (3pm)
Arsenal v Newcastle (4.30pm) Sky

Mon 19.05.2025:
Brighton & Hove Albion v Liverpool (8pm) Sky

Tue 20.05.2025:
Crystal Palace v Wolves (8pm)
Manchester City v Bournemouth (8pm)

Sun 25.05.2025 (TV picks awaited):
Bournemouth v Leicester City (4pm)
Fulham v Manchester City (4pm)
Ipswich Town v West Ham (4pm)
Liverpool v Crystal Palace (4pm)
Manchester United v Aston Villa (4pm)
Newcastle v Everton (4pm)
Nottingham Forest v Chelsea (4pm)
Southampton v Arsenal (4pm)
Spurs v  Brighton & Hove Albion (4pm)
Wolves v Brentford (4pm)

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