Newcastle. Great pressure game, good results and a cheer that sends echoes all the way to the capital.
As much as Eddie Howe took his side at Newcastle, just as much as Graham Potter’s standing with Chelsea is the same.
Let’s face it, Graham Potter doesn’t have much luck with his team picks. Against Newcastle, it was definitely not about the tactical aspect that had to be tweaked right away. However, the fact that Ruben Loftus-Cheek started limping after just two minutes of playing at St James’ Park mirrored Potter’s first time at Chelsea: loose and jerky.
Newcomer 18-year-old Lewis Hall, Conor Gallagher and Armando Bruga take on Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton. I’m not trying to rule out the fact that Newcastle were bigger and stronger in the first half, it’s great that the home team looked so much better than Chelsea (even without Callum Wilson). Who would have thought that a little over a year ago.
There is no plaza like St James’ Park. On the one hand, it is aesthetically beautiful with its different sections, plus the atmosphere is probably the best one can be found in Premier League. It’s definitely not a library, especially on a Saturday night.
Then opponents tremble
Newcastle took better care of the ball than Chelsea, the spectators roared with joy and Eddie Howe did not stop shouting “press!”. The latter is perhaps the most vital part of the Newcastle game, a hideous ability to hit so high and hard that opponents shiver when they try to play the ball for a short time. That didn’t help goalkeeper Edward Mendy not the surest with his feet.
Before the meeting, a few supporters affiliated with NUFC Against Sportwashing gathered outside the arena. The name reveals what they want to draw attention to, but the fact is that the majority of Newcastle supporters prefer to avoid touching the subject for the time being.
Perhaps many feel that it is very difficult not to get caught up in the wave of success that means the club is third in the Premier League table. You can think whatever you want about it, but it should be noted that this is an industrial city in England that has always felt neglected by the capital. Suddenly, Newcastle upon Tyne is in the spotlight once again, not least after Joe Willock’s superb 1-0 goal after 67 minutes against Chelsea.
looks lonely
Graham Potter, who was also forced to dislocate a half-injured Cesar Azpilicueta after the break, made a three-way substitution a quarter of an hour before normal time. The Royal Blues were able to increase the pressure that provoked anxious whiffs, but in the 99th minute the stands exploded one last time as the final whistle blew.
He seems very lonely at the moment, Potter. It is noticeable that frustration creeps in, above all in light of the growing list of injuries. A measly year ago, Newcastle were at the bottom of the table, because not so long ago many believed that Mikel Arteta should be sent off by Arsenal. Potter must hope that Chelsea’s ambitious management will be patient, despite their three straight defeats. And it gets more fluency after a toilet break.