The west London team initially trailed to an Alexander Isak goal, but Raheem Sterling equalized for Chelsea against the flow of the game. Yet, Chelsea found themselves behind in the second half, conceding two goals in a span of 60 seconds, as Jamaal Lascelles and Thiago Silva contributed to Newcastle’s lead.
Thiago Silva, typically the last line of defense for Chelsea, was caught out when his pass lacked precision, allowing Joelinton to score a straightforward one-on-one goal. Adding to Chelsea’s woes, captain Reece James received a red card shortly after, followed by Anthony Gordon netting Newcastle’s fourth goal.
The overall performance of Chelsea was well below standard, especially in the second half. Silva, feeling accountable, publicly apologized on Instagram, expressing regret for the defeat and assuming responsibility.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino, while acknowledging Silva’s mistake, emphasized the collective attitude of the team as the more significant concern. He highlighted the lack of proper preparation and competitive spirit as critical issues that affected their performance.
Pochettino expressed disappointment at Chelsea’s failure to exhibit the required determination and character, especially in a match where they were expected to display more resilience. He stressed the need for mental strength and readiness to compete, emphasizing that while the players possessed football skills, they lacked the necessary competitive edge to succeed on the field.
