Eddie Howe has hailed his Newcastle United players after they beat Chelsea 1-0 to end a Stamford Bridge curse. Not since Papiss Cisse produced a masterclass in west London back in 2012 have the Magpies flown back to Tyneside with a Premier League victory.
That’s no longer the case following a fully deserved win on Saturday evening (March 14th). The winner was Anthony Gordon, who responded to recent criticism over his commitment in the perfect way.
A superb ball from Tino Livramento played Joe Willock through on goal. The English midfielder brought Robert Sanchez out of his goal, and he unselfishly passed to Gordon for an 18th-minute winner.
Howe elated after Newcastle beat Chelsea
Howe wore a massive grin when the final whistle went, not least because the win came against the odds. He was without key men, including Sandro Tonali (illness) and Bruno Guimaraes (hamstring).
Joelinton started the game on the bench due to a toe issue, with Nick Woltemade, Jacob Ramsey and Willock lining up in midfield. It was the first time neither Tonali, Guimaraes, nor Joelinton had started a game for Howe since he took over.
The Newcastle boss is finally able to boast a win over Chelsea in the league at Stamford Bridge since his appointment in November 2021. He has become the first manager since Alan Pardew to come away from the stadium with all three points.
Howe was asked about this following the game and told reporters:
“Yeah, as I said on Friday, I wasn’t aware the record was that bad here for us, so it’s nice to end that and get the win on so many levels today. That was such an important victory with what we have coming up ahead this week with the two massive games.”
Howe added:
“It’s great to go into those games with the good feeling that we have. And I thought the mentality, the effort today was very, very good. You mentioned the mentality and effort.“
The win means Newcastle now sit ninth in the table and have won 12 of 30 Premier League games. They are the first team to defeat Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea at home in the top-flight.
All eyes on Barcelona
Next up for the Tyneside giants is a trip to Barcelona in the second leg of their Round of 16 tie. Howe will hope to have Tonali back for that game, although Willock more than impressed against Chelsea.
Howe spoke about heading into the Barca game with confidence:
“It gives us huge belief. I think we needed to win today to give us any chance of winning in Barcelona and progressing through the Champions League. It’s such a difficult game, but you need that confidence that winning gives you.”
Howe’s men were held to a 1-1 draw by Barca at home in the first leg last week following a last-gasp Lamine Yamal penalty. Harvey Barnes gave the hosts the lead at St James’ Park but Toon Army were denied one of their most famous victories.
