Newcastle United look like a relegation side in their loss to Chelsea

If you were looking for an inspired effort from Newcastle United today, you were gravely disappointed in what you say in their 2-0 loss vs. Chelsea. Olivier Giroud and Timo Werner scored in the first half and that was plenty to defeat a lifeless NUFC side.

Giroud, a striker linked with Newcastle in the past, smashed home a loose ball in front of goal after a quality cutback from Werner. Then, the German got away from Jamal Lewis on a corner kick and tapped home a goal from close-range.

It would’ve been a tall task to come back from 1-0 based on Newcastle’s performance and the two-goal lead never felt even slightly tested.

For the slimmest silver linings possible, Joe Willock had a couple of decent chances, including a header that forced a save from Kepa. Also, Jamaal Lascelles had a pair of challenges in the box that certainly raised the possibility of a penalty kick, but neither time was one awarded.

But, the performance wasn’t anywhere close to good enough to upset Chelsea. It was a pretty typical Steve Bruce-style result as the club finished with 34% possession and ten shots (four on target). If this is the type of play we will see from Newcastle in Callum Wilson’s absence, it is going to be a long eight weeks for the Toon Army.

Now, Newcastle United have played one more match than 18th-place Fulham and only hold a seven-point advantage. Scott Parker’s club could cut that lead down to four points on Wednesday when they face Burnley.

What’s Next?

The road doesn’t get any easier for the Magpies next time out. They will face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side sits in second place at the moment, level on points with third-place Leicester City.