Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Chelsea FC at St James' Park on May 11, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Chelsea FC at St James' Park on May 11, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Chelsea FC at St James' Park on May 11, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Newcastle United 1-0 Chelsea player ratings: Here’s how Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak have fared so far.
Eddie Howe made two changes to his side after last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion. Kieran Trippier and Joe Willock miss the game with ‘minor’ injuries, with Anthony Gordon and Sven Botman returning to the side in their place.
The match is crucial for both teams in the battle for Champions League qualification as they head into it level on points, sitting fourth and fifth in the Premier League table, knowing a win would take them ahead of Manchester City and up to third with two games left to play.
Newcastle got off to the best possible start with Sandro Tonali turning in Jacob Murphy’s low cross to give the hosts the lead inside the opening two minutes.
Chelsea were then reduced to 10 men before half time as Nicolas Jackson was shown a straight red card following a VAR check on a high arm on Sven Botman.
Here are the Newcastle United half-time player ratings from the match (ratings updated at full-time)...
Nick Pope - 6
Comfortable in between the sticks, though not really tested.
Fabian Schar - 8
Looked at ease with Sven Botman back by his side. Strong with his distribution for the most part and let little past him.
Sven Botman - 8
Strong in the air and on the ground on his return to the starting line-up for the first time in three months. Was fouled by Nicolas Jackson which saw the Chelsea man sent off. Defended well at the end of the first half to stop Pedro Neto.
Dan Burn - 8
Aggressive with his pressing and won everything in the air. Came close to making it 2-0 at the end of the first half but the flag was up for offside.
Jacob Murphy - 8
Grabbed yet another assist with a smart low cross for Tonali. Played in a slightly deeper role but did his job well.
Tino Livramento - 8
On the front foot and showed great energy getting forward against his former club. Looked a little bit uncomfortable and hesitant when the ball fell nicely to him in the penalty area as he couldn’t a shot away. Was everywhere.
Sandro Tonali - 9
Won the ball back in the build-up to Newcastle’s opener, which he finished himself. Kept Newcastle on the front foot with a classy display.
Bruno Guimaraes - 7
Played a role in Newcastle’s opener with his ball out wide to Murphy. Shot over after 13 minutes. A busy midfield display.
Harvey Barnes - 6
Received the ball in a good position early on but saw his shot blocked. Showed good footwork to get a shot away later in the first half, but his effort was straight at Robert Sanchez.
Anthony Gordon - 6
Back in the starting line-up after two months out. Showing plenty of pace and energy but yet to really get an opportunity.
Had a couple of half chances but couldn’t take them.
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