Garth Crooks praises reported Newcastle target Antonio Rudiger after display for Chelsea on Sunday

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Garth Crooks hailed Antonio Rudiger’s passion and determination, after Chelsea defeated Newcastle at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The Magpies’ unbeaten run finally came to an end, but in very controversial fashion.

Eddie Howe’s side fell to a late Kai Havertz goal. But the German should surely have been dismissed earlier in the game for his dangerous elbow on Dan Burn.

The player said afterwards that it was not intentional and offered his apologies. He was undoubtedly extremely lucky to stay on the pitch though.

Newcastle also had a stonewall penalty appeal turned down. Trevoh Chalobah was all over Jacob Murphy and almost ripped his shirt before stepping in to make a poor challenge.

It was a tough one to take, but hopefully the players can take heart from their gritty display down in west London.

Days before the game, there had been reports that Newcastle could be set to make a move for Blues defender Rudiger this summer.

The Germany international is out of contract at the end of the season.

After those links, news then dropped that Roman Abramovich had been sanctioned by the UK government.

One of the sanctions for Chelsea is that players cannot be given new deals.

So it was definitely interesting to see how Rudiger played, and the 29-year-old was solid.

He impressed BBC pundit Garth Crooks, who included him in his Team of the Week.

He said of Rudiger (BBC Sport): “Rudiger is one of their key players who is out of contract at the end of the season, with the club now unable to renegotiate his contract due to the sanctions.

“You would never have known by the passion, determination and sheer enthusiasm of his performance”

Antonio Rudiger shows what a good free signing he would be for Newcastle

It was always going to be interesting to watch Rudiger in action on Sunday given the reports of last week.

He was really good for the hosts. He completed 65/74 (88%) passes, and also made three clearances (via Sofascore).

It is looking very likely the £90,000-a-week star will leave Stamford Bridge this summer. And Newcastle would be making a serious statement if they could get him.

Some argue that he’s better in a back five.

But given how Eddie Howe has done at Newcastle so far, you wouldn’t bet against him getting Rudiger to perform in a back four if he did sign this summer.