Chelsea's striker Nicolas Jackson faced a red card for a forearm smash against Newcastle's Sven Botman, jeopardizing Chelsea's chances for Champions League qualification. Newcastle initially took control with an opener from Sandro Tonali, capitalizing on Chelsea's lack of reaction to a formation change due to injuries. Despite being a man down, Chelsea's performance was challenged, revealing underlying issues with player positions and discipline, particularly with Jackson's frustration manifesting in aggressive play. Ultimately, this match may define their season and aspirations for European competition.
Jackson's dismissal for smashing a forearm into Sven Botman's face jeopardised his team's hopes of Champions League qualification on a day when Enzo Maresca's initially second-best, ultimately strangely dominant side could easily have ended up collecting an unlikely point.
Injuries to Kieran Trippier and Joe Willock prompted an unexpected change of formation on Howe's part. It involved Newcastle switching to a back three.
Chelsea's task became a whole lot more complicated once Jackson was sent off for elbowing Botman in the head. He had become increasingly frustrated in the face of tight marking.
It was already evident that the customarily impressive Moises Caicedo, once again deployed out of position at right-back by Maresca here, was struggling against Gordon.
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