Newcastle United's unbeaten Premier League run came to an end in controversial fashion as a late Kai Havertz strike earned Chelsea a narrow victory. Illnesses for Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Willock forced Eddie Howe into a late reshuffle, with the Magpies head coach making four changes and reverting to a back five.
Newcastle pressed well and were left frustrated by two decisions from referee David Coote, with Havertz only shown a yellow card for an elbow on Dan Burn before Trevoh Chalobah was not punished for bringing Jacob Murphy down in the box.
The visitors tired in the latter stages of the contest, and were punished in the 89th minute as the German international expertly converted Jorginho's pass to snatch a 1-0 win for Thomas Tuchel's side.Here are the moments you might have missed from the Magpies' defeat at Stamford Bridge.
Burn's reaction
Howe confirmed in his post-match interviews that the decision to name a back five was somewhat forced upon him by the absences of Shelvey and Willock. It was not a system that the head coach had used since the 3-3 home draw with Brentford in his first match in charge.
However, it was another resolute defensive display with captain Jamaal Lascelles joining the recently established partnership of Dan Burn and Fabian Schar. The January signing delivered a near-faultless display, but was ruthlessly punished for his solitary lapse in concentration.
Burn collapsed and pounded the turf in frustration after Havertz ghosted in behind to fire home the winner, and had to be lifted to his feet by Martin Dubravka. The boyhood fan was visibly crestfallen, but it was a rare blemish on what was otherwise another outstanding display from the former Brighton defender.
Howe's Saudi Arabia response
Howe created distance between himself and questions over Saudi Arabia's human rights record and sportswashing concerns in his first press conference following his appointment in November. It was a stance he maintained following the defeat at Stamford Bridge, as the former Bournemouth boss was questioned after the Saudi Interior Ministry confirmed 81 individuals had been executed.
Howe told reporters: "I'm just going to stick to football, I'm still bitterly disappointed about the result. My job is to coach the football team and to get results for the football team.”
Newcastle's head coach refused to drawn on the matter when pressed further, adding: "I'm aware of what is happening in the world. I've made my position clear."
Staveley demand
Amanda Staveley was among those in attendance at Stamford Bridge and was joined by fellow part owners Mehrdad Ghodoussi and Jamie Reuben in the stands. The trio had previously travelled down for Thursday night's victory at Southampton, where back and forth on social media addressed speculation linking Reuben with a takeover attempt of the Blues.
Roman Abramovich's decision to put the club up for sale and his attempt to seal a quick sale has led some to question whether the Public Investment Fund would have been best waiting rather than completing their protracted deal for Newcastle. It was an idea put to Staveley outside of Stamford Bridge by one home fan, who reportedly claimed 'you should have waited for Chelsea'.
Staveley has previously confirmed a deal for the Blue was considered, before insisting there was only ever 'one club' for the consortium who were excited by the challenge of leading the Magpies from the bottom of the Premier League to the summit.
Tuchel and Tindall clash
The contentious VAR decisions have dominated the post-match narrative from west London in what was otherwise a tense and tactical affair. Newcastle succeeded in frustrating the hosts for much of the encounter, despite ceding the lionshare of possession.
This annoyance briefly spilled over on to the touchlines after Chelsea were left incensed by a handball decision given against Mason Mount on the halfway line. The England international went down under pressure from Lascelles and handled the ball expecting the free-kick, only to be penalised himself.
Cootes' decision led to a strong disagreement in the dugouts between Tuchel and Jason Tindall, and the Chelsea boss would ultimately have the last laugh by celebrating in front of Magpies' staff following Havertz winning goal.
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