Newcastle United are closing in on a return to Champions League football after they beat Chelsea on Sunday.
Indeed, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes scored the goals as Newcastle United moved to third in the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over the Blues at St James’ Park.
It means Eddie Howe’s side are now effectively just one win away from qualifying for the Champions League, which would represent a remarkable achievement. Having already won the Carabao Cup this season, this most historic of campaigns could be about to get even better.
Newcastle had to dig deep against Chelsea. Tonali’s early goal gave the hosts a dream start but they sat back even after Nicolas Jackson had been sent off for a foul on Sven Botman. As such, the visitors grew into the game and threatened to spoil the party until Guimaraes wrapped things up.
Speaking of that foul from Jackson on Botman, the Newcastle United manager was not happy about it.
Eddie Howe furious with Nicolas Jackson
The striker had endured a frustrating afternoon at St James’. Jackson had been limited to only seven touches and no shots on goal before he was given his marching orders.
| Shots | Shots on target | Touches |
| 0 | 0 | 7 |
The Senegal international collided with Botman in the air and was initially booked for his challenge.
However, upon closer inspection, VAR deemed it a straight red for an elbow in the face.
The Premier League’s Official Match Centre posted on their X account: “VAR checked the referee’s call of yellow card to Jackson – and deemed that the challenge by Jackson on Botman was a serious foul play offence, therefore recommended an on-field review. The referee then upgraded the yellow to a red card.”
According to Lee Ryder of The Chronicle on the same social media platform, Howe was “furious” with the incident.
What do Newcastle United need to qualify for the Champions League?
Jackson’s red card not only complicated Chelsea’s game plan on the day, it impacts the rest of their campaign.
They will now be without the striker for the final two games of the season, handing rivals Newcastle an added boost.
Still, the focus must be on Howe’s side. Now on 66 points in the Premier League table, one win from their final two games would all but guarantee them a place in the top five.
Arsenal away next week will be difficult but Newcastle have already beaten them three times this season. At home to Everton on the final day, Howe’s side will again be the favourites.
The Champions League feels very close indeed.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
