Following captain Reece James’ dismissal, Anthony Gordon netted the fourth goal for the home team. This result leaves Chelsea trailing by 10 points from fourth-placed Tottenham, whose next game is scheduled for Sunday.
Pochettino, banned from the sidelines, watched the match from the stands and was deeply dissatisfied with his team’s performance. Expressing frustration, he labeled Newcastle’s victory as “too easy” and called off the team’s day off in response.
In an interview with Premier League Productions post-game, the Argentine coach labeled it as their worst performance this season. He found it challenging to watch the match from the stands.
Reflecting on the match, Pochettino remarked, “We cannot be satisfied with the result. From the start, we didn’t control the game as we should have. Our intensity and energy were lacking.”
“At 1-1, after scoring, we had an opportunity to pressure Newcastle, but they made it too simple for us. That’s why I’m frustrated with the performance.”
He added, “Sometimes, these situations are necessary for the team to understand the required standards.”
“We had discussions in the locker room afterward because I believe we should proceed straight to the hotel, rest, and start training early tomorrow without taking a day off.”
“It’s not just the players who should shoulder blame; it’s everyone involved. It’s crucial to comprehend and acknowledge the need for greater accountability if we aspire to compete at the expected level.”
“In these situations, there’s always something to learn. Our team is talented, but being competitive requires more than just playing.”