Joe Willock's silky strike sends Newcastle third

tamojit chakraborty
Joe Willock's silky strike sends Newcastle third
Joe Willock's silky strike sends Newcastle third

A sensational right footed curler from Joe Willock in the 67th minute earned Newcastle a huge 1-0 win over Chelsea on Saturday evening at St James’ Park. Willock latched on to a loose ball just on the edge of the penalty box after some wonderful wing play from Miguel Almiron.

This was Newcastle’s fifth consecutive win in the Premier League as the Magpies leapfrogged Tottenham Hotspur into third place in the table, only two points adrift of Manchester City having played an extra game.

As we break for the World Cup, this will the first time that Eddie Howe’s side will be in the top three of the Premier League season since 2002-02 season.

As for Chelsea, the pressure will mount on manager GrahamPotter, whose side has now gone on without any win in the last 5 league games. The last time the Blues were in such a precarious situation, was 10 years back in 2012.

Chelsea’s misery deepens

Chelsea had to cope without star English international Raheem Sterling who was missing through a sickness bug while for the home side, Callum Wilson was only deemed fit to take his place on the bench for Newcastle following a week of illness.

Conor Gallagher tested Nick Pope with an early effort on goal but apart from that the away side hardly had any bite in midfield and attack. Potter’s side were dominated in every inch of grass as Newcastle pushed the visitors with their relentless pressing.

Advertisement

Ruben Loftus Cheek had to be withdrawn after suffering a knock as Chelsea moved to a back three settling in a 3-4-2-1 formation.

Chelsea struggled to assert any control in the middle of the pitch with Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho failing to string passes into the final third. Striker Armando Broja however, latched on a quick release pass from Gallagher in the 28th minute but could only shoot straight to Pope who gathered with ease.

Newcastle might have felt hard done by just before the half time whistle after the referee waved away shouts for a penalty following Dan Brun’s low cross that appeared to have brushed Trevoh Chaobah’s arm.

Advertisement

Newcastle were by far the better side following the break but spurned two chances to take the lead. First Chris Wood failed to connect Kieran Trippier’s cross before Sean Longstaff blazed his shot well over the cross bar.

Chelsea could have taken the lead themselves had it not been for Nick Pope, once again denying Gallagher’s finely taken effort, at full stretch.

Newcastle in dreamland

Newcastle finally broke the deadlock as the man of the moment, Almiron swerved past Kalidou Koulibaly setting the stage for Willock’s thunderous strike that left Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy helpless.

Advertisement

Even with the changes made by Potter following his team going behind, bringing on Marc Cucurella, Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz, Chelsea hardly threatened the Newcastle goal as the traveling side slumped to yet another loss. The London side currently sit eighth in the standings with 21 points, 8 adrift of Tottenham for a place in the top four.

The final whistle triggered ugly scenes with either set of players venting their frustration at one another. The home fans though wouldn’t care as they saw their beloved Magpies sit comfortably in third, challenging for a Champions League berth.

Photo credit: IMAGO / PA Images

200+ Channels With Sports & News
200+ Channels With Sports & News
  • Starting price: $33/mo. for fubo Latino Package
  • Watch Premier League, Liga MX & Copa Libertadores
The New Home of MLS
The New Home of MLS
  • Price: $14.99/mo. for MLS Season Pass
  • Watch every MLS game including playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
  • Price: $10.99/mo. (or get ESPN+, Hulu & Disney+ for $14.99/mo.)
  • Features Bundesliga, LaLiga, NWSL, & USL
2,000+ soccer games per year
2,000+ soccer games per year
  • Price: $7.99/mo
  • Features Champions League, Serie A, Europa League & EFL
175 Premier League Games & PL TV
175 Premier League Games & PL TV
  • Starting price: $7.99/mo. for Peacock Premium
  • Watch 175 exclusive EPL games per season
EDITORS’ PICKS
Chelsea kit sponsor: Talks with Qatar Airways and two brands

Chelsea kit sponsor: Talks with Qatar Airways and two brands

Chelsea is currently in discussions with three major airlines, including Qatar Airways, as the club searches for a new front-of-shirt sponsor. This comes after their short-term deal with Infinite Athlete expired in July. Chelsea has been without a sponsor for the current 2024-25 season. The lack of Champions League action this season has made the […]

Chelsea's sale of unwanted stars harmed by coach's comments

Chelsea's sale of unwanted stars harmed by coach's comments

Chelsea has undoubtedly received plenty of attention regarding transfers in recent years. After all, the club has spent around $1.4 billion on a plethora of new players since new ownership came aboard in 2022. Not only have the Blues overhauled their roster in just two years, but they bloated it to include over 40 players […]

UEFA takes action: Boehly to cost Chelsea Europe expulsion?

UEFA takes action: Boehly to cost Chelsea Europe expulsion?

Chelsea are currently facing a significant challenge that could jeopardize their participation in future European competitions. This threat arises from UEFA's new financial regulations. To ensure financial fair play (FFP), it seeks to rein in teams that have used deceptive accounting tactics. Under the ownership of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, Chelsea's aggressive spending and […]

'You never know': Gyokeres puts Premier League sides on alert

'You never know': Gyokeres puts Premier League sides on alert

As the summer transfer window approaches its conclusion, Premier League sides have been put on high alert following comments from Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres. Gyokeres, who has been in scintillating form, has not ruled out a possible move before the deadline; sparking renewed interest from the Premier League giants. Gyokeres has been one of Europe’s […]

World Soccer Talk © 2025. Made in Florida.

World Soccer Talk, like Futbol Sites, is a company owned by Better Collective. All rights reserved. World Soccer Talk is reader-supported and may earn a commission through our partner links.

Better Collective Logo