Five things we learned from a brilliant Newcastle performance in their 1-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea players enter a huddle surrounding Referee Paul Tierney on the half way line prior to their defeat to Newcastle
Chelsea players enter a huddle surrounding Referee Paul Tierney on the half way line prior to their defeat to Newcastle(Image: 2026 Chelsea FC)
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Newcastle United secured a crucial away win against Chelsea as they breathed fresh life into their Premier League season.
Anthony Gordon's first half goal proved to be the difference between the sides as Eddie Howe's side ran out 1-0 winners at Stamford Bridge to move within a point of eighth placed Everton in the Premier League table.
All of a sudden, the European places look back in sight and a win against a Champions League side away from home is the perfect confidence boost ahead of Wednesday's Champions League second leg against Barcelona.
Here are five things we learned from a crucial Newcastle United win in West London.
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Ridiculous Chelsea huddle backfires
Chelsea's players raised eyebrows when they performed a pre-match huddle on the centre circle in their 4-1 win over Aston Villa earlier this month.
They did it again on Saturday evening ahead of facing Newcastle but, bizarrely, referee Paul Tierney was caught in the middle of it as he looked to get the game under way.
Chelsea's players looked perplexed, Tierney was unmoved and it was one of the most surreal images we have seen in the Premier League this season.
Blues manager Liam Rosenior said on Friday: "There is nothing about the huddle that is intentionally to affect anything to do with the opposition, the fans, or anything at all.
"It was a decision that was made between the group and the leadership team about the way they wanted to show unity."
But it looked ridiculous and it left Chelsea open to be left with egg on their faces. And that was exactly what Newcastle delivered to put a huge dent in their Champions League hopes and reinvigorate Newcastle's league season.
No Tonali, no problem
When Newcastle's players got off the team coach outside of Stamford Bridge and Sandro Tonali did not emerge alongside his team-mates, there were huge fears about what effect that would have on Howe's side.
Particularly with Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Miley out injured and Howe choosing to manage Joelinton's toe injury ahead of the trip to Barcelona on Wednesday.
Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock were joined in midfield by Nick Woltemade, an experiment Howe was forced to continue due to the unprecedented injury situation in midfield.
Newcastle struggled in the middle of the park in the first 15 minutes but after they weathered the storm, they grew into the game. Ramsey was at his controlling best, Willock's runs from midfield stretched the Chelsea backline and Woltemade looked more at home in the role in the second half.
Joelinton was brought on to see out the win but it felt like a huge weight off Newcastle shoulders to win a game of this magnitude without their three big name midfielders.
Newcastle United midfielder Jacob Ramsey (R) impressed in midfield
Newcastle United midfielder Jacob Ramsey (R) impressed in midfield(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
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Livramento sends reminder
Livramento started for the first time since the January 10 win over Bournemouth in the FA Cup third round. In that time, Newcastle have managed 17 matches without their first choice right-back.
And he sent a reminder tonight of his talents with a tireless performance at both ends of the pitch. It was his pass, of course, that set Joe Willock through on goal before he cut the ball across to Anthony Gordon to tap home the only goal of the game.
Not only did he remind Newcastle fans of what they missed but it was a timely display in front of the watching England manager, Thomas Tuchel, as he names his England squad for March internationals against Uruguay and Japan.
Ahead of the end of season run-in, Livramento did his chances of making England's World Cup squad no harm with his performance against his former club at Stamford Bridge.
Newcastle defender Tino Livramento celebrating the win over Chelsea with goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale
Newcastle defender Tino Livramento celebrating the win over Chelsea with goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale(Image: 2026 CameraSport)
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Premier League picture
What a difference two wins can make. Things felt bleak after Newcastle's 3-2 defeat to Everton at St James' Park last month but back-to-back wins against high flying Manchester United and Chelsea has transformed the complexion of their season.
Assuming eighth place, as expected, will be enough to qualify for the Europa Conference League, Newcastle are now only point behind Everton in the table after their 1-0 defeat at Arsenal.
Seventh placed Brentford, who currently occupy the second Europa League place, are only two points ahead of the Magpies, although they do have a game in hand at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday.
With eight Premier League games remaining, Newcastle have something to fight for again. And that is extra motivation, if it is needed, ahead of next weekend's Tyne-Wear derby at home to Sunderland.
Woeful Chelsea record ends
Heading into the game, Newcastle had lost 11 of their last 12 games against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Their last win away to the Blues came back in 2012 as Papiss Cisse's sensational double sealed a 2-0 win for Alan Pardew's side in West London.
But Saturday's win has extended Newcastle's brilliant recent record against Chelsea, only losing two of their last eight games against the Londoners.