Fabian Schar continued his impressive form by helping Newcastle United pick up a clean sheet against Chelsea.
Newcastle bounced back from their Premier League defeat at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon to beat Chelsea 2-0 on Wednesday evening.
The Magpies have now booked their spot in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, where they will face top-flight opponents Brentford in December.
Alexander Isak put on a superstar display and was back among the goals after opening the scoring in the first half. Newcastle’s lead was doubled just three minutes later when Joe Willock’s header was turned in by Axel Disasi.
Fabian Schar sends message after Newcastle beat Chelsea
Eddie Howe made five changes to his lineup against Chelsea on Wednesday, including a return for Anthony Gordon and changes to the backline with Emil Krafth and Lloyd Kelly both starting.
Fabian Schar struggled against Chelsea on Sunday but kept his spot in the starting lineup and was given the captain’s armband with Bruno Guimaraes named on the bench.
Schar has been Newcastle’s most important player this season, and he showed exactly why on Wednesday with a stalwart performance in the heart of defence.
Shortly after the full-time whistle, Fabian Schar took to social media to send a message to supporters.
He wrote: “Job done and into the last 🎱Incredible support under the lights at SJP”.
Newcastle teammate Guimaraes, who came on as a second-half substitute, was quick to praise Schar with a two-word response.
Guimaraes replied, saying: “Top player” in the comments.
Eddie Howe stumbled across Newcastle partnership vs Chelsea
Centre-back has been a problem area for Newcastle in recent seasons, mostly because of long-term injuries and absences.
Newcastle pushed hard to sign Marc Guehi in the summer with a top-class centre-back at the top of the club’s shopping list.
However, reports suggest Newcastle would now prefer a right winger in the January transfer window, with the budget not allowing Paul Mitchell to address both areas in one window.
READ MORE: Alan Shearer explains why Newcastle’s Carabao Cup clash against Chelsea is so important
Against Chelsea, Howe partnered Schar with Lloyd Kelly in defence and the duo both impressed at St James’ Park.
As Sven Botman continues his return from injury, Newcastle may have just found the answer to their short-term centre-back problems.
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