Willock puts Newcastle United into the top three

Chris Willock’s well-taken strike moved Newcastle United up to third place after the Magpies won 1-0 at St James’ Park. 

The home side were the better team throughout the game. While Newcastle United didn’t create a huge number of chances, they were always in control of the game. Chelsea found it hard to make any sort of momentum or keep a sustained period of possession.

Chelsea’s best moment of the game came just a minute before Newcastle’s goal. Conor Gallagher with a curling effort from just outside the area that Nick Pope did well to save.

Not long after that chance, Miguel Almirón cut in from the right and dribbled with the ball but one heavy touch helpfully teed the ball up for Chris Willock to side-foot the ball past Édouard Mendy and into the top corner. 

Graham Potter’s team have been in poor form lately and they didn’t look likely to get back into the game. Although the final seven minutes of stoppage time was strangely chaotic with rash challenges flying in as Newcastle were desperate to hold on to their lead.

Indeed, the final moments ended with both teams boiling over as things got heated following the full-time whistle.

The defeat is now Chelsea's third league defeat in a row and the Blues' fourth loss in five games in all competitions. Graham Potter has work to do for the when the Premier League restarts with his team now eighth in the league and eight points away from the top four.

Meanwhile, Eddie Howe can enjoy seeing his side in the top three of the Premier League after another impressive performance. The Magpies move within four points of top spot before Arsenal face Wolverhampton Wanderers later this evening.

xG: Newcastle United (1.37) 1-0 (0.31) Chelsea

YOU MAAAAAAGGGGGGSSSSS!!!!! pic.twitter.com/pCSwnSunDN

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) November 12, 2022