Newcastle United took a huge leap towards Champions League qualification with a 2-0 win over Chelsea.
It was nervy, tense and completely Newcastle United. Was today's game going to be anything but?
Eddie Howe's men were underwhelming despite boasting an extra man for most of the game and taking a third-minute lead through Sandro Tonali. Those expecting the Magpies to come flying out of the blocks in the second half and make use of the extra man advantage were let down as Chelsea grew into the game.
The Blues huffed and puffed - with Champions League football on the line - for a late equaliser. A Chelsea side from yesteryear, led up front by the likes of Didier Drogba or Diego Costa, may have stunned a nervy Newcastle outfit this afternoon.
But with one swift kick of a Brazilian's foot, the pressure levels eased around St James' Park. Bruno Guimaraes - the man who summoned the Toon Army into battle before the game - sealed the win with a deflected effort just as the anxiety levels were beginning to skyrocket.
Pandemonium erupted as the Magpies held on to give themselves a monumental advantage in the race for fifth spot. Everyone can breathe a deep sigh of relief after that one...
Here are five key takeaways from today’s game.
Black-and-white foot planted
Victory planned one big, bold, black-and-white foot firmly in the Champions League next season. It just had to be Guimaraes to seal the deal didn't it?
He vowed to write his name into the Newcastle history books on day oince and penned another chapter with his late clincher. Howe's men are third - three points above sixth-placed Aston Villa.
Attention turns to Arsenal next week, a team the Magpies have beaten three times this season. But claiming Everton's scalp - in front of a jubilant home crowd - should see the over the line.
Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes in action against ChelseaNewcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes in action against Chelsea
Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes in action against Chelsea | Getty Images
St James’ Park answers battle cry
Howe and Enzo Maresca expressed concerns about the makeshift kick-off time compromising the atmosphere. Newcastle complemented supporters with a free pint before the game to ensure a raucous turnout - and boy did the home faithful deliver.
From the first whistle, the Toon crowd delivered. They were given a pre-match battle cry from captain Guimaraes to intimidate Chelsea - which was answered a hundred times over. Kudos, Newcastle fans.
One-quarter of Newcastle United's impressive pre-match display.One-quarter of Newcastle United's impressive pre-match display.
One-quarter of Newcastle United's impressive pre-match display. | Getty Images
Jackson turns MMA fighter
A flurry of fans descended around the NewcastleWorld monitor when Nicolas Jackson elbowed Sven Botman 10 minutes before the break. Was it a red? What happened?
“I think he could be off here” was the response… and referee John Brooks had little choice once summoned to the pitch-side monitor. A stupid outburst from the Blues striker. Players might get away with that at Sunday league level but not when VAR is around.
Jackson cost his teammates just as they were getting into the game. MMA moves might have been on show but it was the Magpies who landed the knockout blow.
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson is shown a straight red cardChelsea striker Nicolas Jackson is shown a straight red card
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson is shown a straight red card | Getty Images
Dutchman flies back into Toon action
So much happened in the game that it is easy to forget Sven Botman’s long-awaited return. Eased in from the bench in recent weeks, the Dutchman made his first start since February.
A composed 55-minute display gave Newcastle a reminder of his capabilities as a frustrating season comes to a close. Admittedly, he was helped by Chelsea going down to 10 men, but a huge positive nonetheless.
Sven Botman pictured in action against ChelseaSven Botman pictured in action against Chelsea
Sven Botman pictured in action against Chelsea | Getty Images
Cole Palmer’s boos backfire
Viewed as the danger man pre-match, Cole Palmer hoped last week's penalty against Liverpool would help rediscover his form. When the visitors came out to warm-up, they were met, unsurprisingly, by a chorus of boos.
Palmer could be seen sarcastically booing along to the home crowd. Stubborn Toon fans will remember him giving the away contingent stick at Stamford Bridge during last season’s Carabao Cup penalty shoot-out.
Well, there was little teasing from the England international at the full-time whistle. An anonymous display.
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