Joe Willock’s thunderous second-half aim earned Newcastle United a gritty 1-0 win over Chelsea at St James’ Park on Saturday and consolidated third place within the Premier League in its closing fixture earlier than the World Cup.
Miguel Almiron reduce inside Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly and nudged the ball into the trail of the onrushing Willock, who unleashed a strong first-time effort that flew previous goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to bag his second league aim in as many video games.
After a fifth straight league win, Newcastle has 30 factors and sit two factors behind second-placed Manchester Metropolis whereas Chelsea is stage on 21 factors with Brighton & Hove Albion however behind its in eighth place, having performed a sport extra.
Newcastle had a penalty enchantment turned down after defender Dan Burn’s cross hit Trevoh Chalobah’s flailing arm late within the first half whereas Chelsea ahead Armando Broja registered the one shot heading in the right direction in an in any other case uneventful opening interval.
5 minutes after the restart, Newcastle got here near taking the lead when Joelinton stored alive Kieran Trippier’s cross however Chris Wooden was unable to attach and Mendy scrambled the ball away.
Almiron then reduce it again for Sean Longstaff, who blazed his effort over the bar, whereas Wooden was inches away from assembly Willock’s advantageous cross a couple of minutes later as Newcastle pushed for an opener however lacked a scientific edge.
Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher compelled a flying save from Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope within the 66th minute because the guests sprung into life, however any momentum they’d have constructed from its finest assault of the sport was worn out by Willock within the very subsequent minute.
“I’ve been practising capturing in coaching to be honest. I’ve been lacking scoring in entrance of those followers so to get a aim at the moment is sensible for me and the workforce,” Willock stated.
“The supervisor put in sport plan and we deserved to win. Within the first half we dominated and the final go wasn’t fairly there. We obtained the aim and the clear sheet.”
