Chelsea vs Newcastle LIVE!

Chelsea eased the building pressure on head coach Mauricio Pochettino with a chaotic 3-2 victory over Newcastle at Stamford Bridge. Nicolas Jackson gave the Blues an early lead on Monday night after his excellent instinctive flick diverted Cole Palmer’s strike beyond Martin Dubravka and into the bottom corner with only six minutes on the clock.

But Newcastle grew into the game as the first half wore on and profited from some less-than-stellar defending as Alexander Isak’s superb low shot drew them level, with Jackson also seeing a second goal ruled out for offside as an otherwise quiet game burst into life before the interval. Chelsea regained their lead ahead of the hour mark in an end-to-end contest, when man-of-the-match Palmer arrowed in an unstoppable effort.

Impressive substitute Mykhailo Mudryk then added a late third for the hosts with a fantastic solo goal that looked to have them on easy street, until Jacob Murphy’s stunning strike on the cusp of stoppage time made for a nervy finish. Follow Chelsea vs Newcastle reaction live below, with expert analysis from Standard Sport’s chief football correspondent Dan Kilpatrick at Stamford Bridge!

Chelsea vs Newcastle highlights

• GOAL! Murphy screamer tees up grandstand finish

• GOAL! Mudryk waltzes through for terrific solo third

• GOAL! Palmer restores Chelsea lead with stunning strike

• GOAA... NO! Second for Jackson ruled out for offside

• GOAL! Isak rifles in excellent late first-half equaliser

• Anthony Gordon and Dan Burn both forced off injured

• GOAL! Jackson deftly flicks home early Blues opener

Chelsea 3-2 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 22:14 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Dan Kilpatrick at Stamford Bridge

A win eases the pressure on Mauricio Pochettino on another big night for Cole Palmer, who was the difference.

The Chelsea manager could have done without Jacob Murphy's late strike which set up a very nervy finale.

In the end, a night which demonstrated both Chelsea's quality and their youth.

Chelsea 3-2 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 22:00 , George Flood

Full-time

And breathe!

Newcastle’s late fightback in vain as Chelsea cling on for a crucial win for Mauricio Pochettino.

It was far nervier there than it ever needed to be, but they got there in the end.

They stay 11th, but are now just a point behind Newcastle and have a game in hand on most of the teams around them.

It’s an eight-point gap now to the top six, with Chelsea hosting Championship leaders Leicester in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday before the March international break.

Next up for Newcastle is a tough trip to face holders Manchester City in the last eight on Saturday evening.

With the rate they continue to concede goals away from home, any chance of victory there looks remote.

And the injury to Anthony Gordon will be a huge worry.

Chelsea 3-2 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 22:00 , George Flood

97 mins: One final roll of the dice from Newcastle, with Tino Livramento hitting a cross-field ball towards I think Fabian Schar, but his headed flick-on drifts harmlessly behind for a goal kick.

That must be full-time now.

Chelsea 3-2 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 21:58 , George Flood

96 mins: Newcastle just can’t fashion another chance and now young midfielder Joe White is booked for taking down Mykhailo Mudryk, who may just have sealed the win for Chelsea.

Chelsea 3-2 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 21:57 , George Flood

93 mins: Newcastle are pushing for a dramatic late leveller but Djordje Petrovic gratefully dives on a loose ball.

He can’t waste any more time though, already on a booking for doing just that.

Standard Sport’s Dan Kilpatrick at Stamford Bridge

A real test of Chelsea's maturity to come here.

Six minutes or so to avoid an embarrassing late collapse after Murphy's stunning screamer.

GOAL! Chelsea 3-2 Newcastle | Jacob Murphy 90'

Monday 11 March 2024 21:53 , George Flood

90 mins: Wait just a moment!

Jacob Murphy rolls the naive Marc Cucurella all too easily before blasting an incredible effort into the top corner with Djordje Petrovic at full stretch.

Another sensational goal. What is going on tonight?!

Six minutes of added time. This is far from over...

Chelsea 3-1 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 21:50 , George Flood

85 mins: The end of another brilliant night’s work for Cole Palmer, who is replaced by Cesare Casadei for the final few minutes.

Newcastle simply cannot live with Mykhailo Mudryk, who has been electric since coming on.

He speeds his way to the byline and is barged over by Jacob Murphy as a low cross is straight at Martin Dubravka.

Newcastle looking well beaten now.

Chelsea 3-1 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 21:46 , George Flood

81 mins: Two more Newcastle changes since the third goal, with young duo Lewis Miley and Joe White replacing Joe Willock and Bruno Guimaraes.

Chelsea 3-1 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 21:43 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Dan Kilpatrick at Stamford Bridge

A mixture of skill, instinct and composure from Mudryk there, and perhaps his best moment in a Chelsea shirt.

The hosts have their tails up now and will be looking to punish this ragged Newcastle side further in the last 10 minutes.

GOAL! Chelsea 3-1 Newcastle | Mykhailo Mudryk 76'

Monday 11 March 2024 21:38 , George Flood

76 mins: Another superb goal from the substitute and Chelsea have a two-goal lead with less than 15 minutes to play!

Mykhailo Mudryk bravely takes the ball off Conor Gallagher after a squared pass from the effective Nicolas Jackson on the edge of the box and nutmegs Fabian Schar before rounding Martin Dubravka and slotting home.

Brilliant solo effort. Class.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 21:37 , George Flood

73 mins: Newcastle are far from done here as a Jacob Murphy delivery is gratefully claimed by Djordje Petrovic, who was booked for time-wasting a few minutes ago.

Moises Caicedo has also had his name taken for being the latest Chelsea player to take down Tino Livramento.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 21:33 , George Flood

70 mins: Mykhailo Mudryk will get the final 20 minutes here for Chelsea.

Off goes Raheem Sterling.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 21:32 , George Flood

69 mins: Dan Burn is back on his feet after initially looking in a lot of discomfort.

He’s going off still though, replaced by Swede Emil Krafth.

Miguel Almiron is also making way for young winger Elliot Anderson.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 21:31 , George Flood

67 mins: Miguel Almiron’s free-kick is headed wide by Dan Burn, who stays down after colliding with Axel Disasi.

This doesn’t look good.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 21:29 , George Flood

64 mins: An important intervention there from Moises Caicedo as Newcastle press for another equaliser, having joy down the right flank.

Eddie Howe must find a way to stop them conceding so many goals away from home.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 21:28 , George Flood

Gareth Southgate cannot fail to be impressed with what he is seeing from Cole Palmer tonight.

What a goal and what a player he is becoming.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 21:24 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Dan Kilpatrick at Stamford Bridge

Another unerring strike from Palmer, and no-one else can claim that one!

Chelsea dropped off after taking the lead early in the first half, underlining their naivety.

Question is whether they will have the maturity to hold onto this lead.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 21:23 , George Flood

59 mins: It really should be 3-1 to Chelsea!

Raheem Sterling is in and rounds Martin Dubravka, but Newcastle drop two defenders onto the line in Fabian Schar and Dan Burn.

Burn ends up blocking Sterling’s effort and keeping Newcastle in this game.

GOAL! Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle | Cole Palmer 57'

Monday 11 March 2024 21:19 , George Flood

57 mins: Another cracking goal and Chelsea are back in front!

It’s an absolute bullet from the brilliant Cole Palmer, who arrows an unstoppable effort through the legs of Sven Botman and into the back of the net.

Martin Dubravka had no chance. Stamford Bridge erupts!

A goal and an assist now tonight for Palmer, unquestionably Chelsea’s best player.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 21:17 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Dan Kilpatrick at Stamford Bridge

This was a cagey affair for most of the first half but has been end to end since the interval.

Both managers perhaps urging their players to go and win it at half-time.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 21:17 , George Flood

54 mins: End-to-end fare once again now, with Raheem Sterling running at Sven Botman before arrowing a right-footed shot wide of the near post.

Famous last words and all that, but this surely won’t end 1-1...

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 21:14 , George Flood

51 mins: Chelsea had yet to get into this second half, until Cole Palmer again takes it upon himself to make something happen.

His latest twisting run leaves Dan Burn and Sean Longstaff behind, but his wicked low cross then flashes across the six-yard box and safe.

Now Newcastle quickly go back on the offensive!

This contest is well and truly alive now.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 21:10 , George Flood

48 mins: A fast start to the second half from Newcastle as Moises Caicedo loses a battle with Alexander Isak and Miguel Almiron’s blistering effort from inside the box is then palmed over by Djordje Petrovic.

A huge opportunity for the Magpies goes begging as they have multiple players inside the box but no one gambles on Bruno Guimaraes’ fizzed cross and it sails wide.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 21:09 , George Flood

Back underway at Stamford Bridge!

A huge half ahead for Mauricio Pochettino and Chelsea.

No changes from either manager at the interval.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 21:04 , George Flood

Useless from Chelsea but what a finish from Alexander Isak...

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 20:56 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Dan Kilpatrick at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea started so well and were coasting, but Newcastle finished the half the stronger and deservedly go in level at the break.

Stamford Bridge more subdued than mutinous at the moment but another big 45 minutes ahead for Pochettino's Chelsea.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 20:52 , George Flood

Half-time

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 20:52 , George Flood

50 mins: Chelsea want to restore their lead before the break, but Martin Dubravka is equal to Raheem Sterling’s effort on target.

That should be that for a suddenly absorbing first half.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 20:51 , George Flood

48 mins: It’s end-to-end stuff at the end of this first half as Joe Willock takes it down well and fires over from close range.

The offside flag was up.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 20:49 , George Flood

47 mins: GOAA... NO!

Nicolas Jackson has the ball in the net again after shrugging off Dan Burn inside the box, but it’s ruled out for offside.

A frantic finish to an otherwise low-key first half at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 20:47 , George Flood

45 mins: Four minutes of added time have been signalled at the end of the first half.

Standard Sport’s Dan Kilpatrick at Stamford Bridge

Oof, that's a tasty finish from Isak but no wonder Pochettino looks so disgusted.

Chelsea had three or four opportunities to either bring the ball under control or clear it before Bruno Guimaraes' deft pass into the Swede.

GOAL! Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle | Alexander Isak 43'

Monday 11 March 2024 20:45 , George Flood

43 mins: The improved visitors are level before the break!

Alexander Isak is teed up by Bruno Guimaraes and expertly fires in a lovely finish past Axel Disasi and Djordje Petrovic into the bottom far corner to spark wild celebrations in the away end.

Such an avoidable goal though and really poor from several Chelsea players who gave the ball away and couldn’t clear it in quick succession, including Enzo Fernandez, Malo Gusto and Trevoh Chalobah.

A bit of a comedy of errors really. Mauricio Pochettino looks furious and shakes his head on the touchline. Some finish though!

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 20:45 , George Flood

40 mins: Raheem Sterling into the book for bringing down Tino Livramento.

A free-kick is then headed harmlessly over the crossbar from some way out by Alexander Isak, who may have been offside anyway.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 20:42 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Dan Kilpatrick at Stamford Bridge

If Southgate was here to assess Anthony Gordon, the England manager will be disappointed after the winger is forced off following an innocuous looking challenge by Cucurella.

Having offered nothing for 35 minutes, Newcastle are starting to pose Chelsea some questions and Pochettino appears increasingly agitated on the touchline at his side's drop-off.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 20:41 , George Flood

37 mins: Newcastle are finally applying some pressure now despite Anthony Gordon’s departure, a wicked free-kick delivery not too far from the head of the towering Dan Burn.

Jacob Murphy’s ball into the box is then defended well initially by Malo Gusto before Miguel Almiron’s follow-up towards Joe Willock is subject to a crucial intervention from Marc Cucurella that forces the Newcastle midfielder to steer over the crossbar.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 20:38 , George Flood

35 mins: Anthony Gordon can’t continue and makes his way off gingerly assisted by the physio, replaced by Jacob Murphy.

Real disappointment for the former Everton winger, who would have wanted to impress Gareth Southgate tonight ahead of the last pre-Euros England squad being announced this week.

Another key injury blow for Eddie Howe to contend with.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 20:37 , George Flood

34 mins: Anthony Gordon is down again now and receiving treatment after appearing to twist his knee after some close attention from Marc Cucurella, who was physical at his back in the challenge but didn’t do much wrong.

He also had a knock earlier and this doesn’t look good as both Gordon and the physio give a shake of the head to the Newcastle bench.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 20:35 , George Flood

31 mins: A rare first-half attack from the Magpies ends with a miscued volley from Anthony Gordon that deflects behind off the attentive Marc Cucurella.

Nothing comes of the subsequent corner as Chelsea easily clear their lines.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 20:34 , George Flood

30 mins: Enzo Fernandez is the latest Chelsea player to chop down Tino Livramento, who is not enjoying his return to Stamford Bridge so far tonight.

A bit of a lull in the game at the moment with no real quality or chances, which is not helping the flat atmosphere on a cold and rainy March Monday night in west London.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 20:30 , George Flood

27 mins: All the danger from Chelsea so far tonight is coming down their right-hand side, through Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Dan Burn is having a bit of a torrid time and not getting enough help from Anthony Gordon in front of him.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 20:29 , George Flood

25 mins: It’s mostly Chelsea at the moment, with Cole Palmer at the heart of everything they do.

He tries to dink over a pass for Nicolas Jackson, who is caught on his heels a touch as he tries to race through on goal.

Moises Caicedo also tries his luck, to no avail.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 20:27 , George Flood

Comedy legend Adam Sandler is among the interested spectators at Stamford Bridge tonight...

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 20:25 , George Flood

22 mins: Lovely persistent play from Cole Palmer, who twists and turns to beat Dan Burn down the Chelsea right before delivering a squared pass for Enzo Fernandez on the edge of the Newcastle box.

The Argentine tries to create space for a curling shot that was never troubling Martin Dubravka.

Tino Livramento is now incensed after being clattered by Marc Cucurella and somehow not receiving a free-kick from referee John Brooks.

Cucurella has taken a rather combative approach to defending against the former Chelsea man so far tonight.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 20:23 , George Flood

20 mins: Safe hands from Martin Dubravka as he gets down well to meet a skidding low drive from Nicolas Jackson from outside the box.

He won’t want to deal with too many of those in this wet weather.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 20:21 , George Flood

18 mins: Better from Newcastle as Tino Livramento, like Malo Gusto for Chelsea, gets forward down the right and combines well with Bruno Guimaraes, Marc Cucurella making a good block inside the box.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 20:19 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Dan Kilpatrick at Stamford Bridge

Gareth Southgate is here at Stamford Bridge.

Anthony Gordon, Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling all under review, I'd imagine.

I make Conor Gallagher a shoo-in for Thursday's squad.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 20:18 , George Flood

15 mins: Former Chelsea youngster Tino Livramento is also now down in pain after a collision with Marc Cucurella.

Newcastle can ill-afford another full-back injury and thankfully he’s quickly on his feet again.

Such a subdued feel and atmosphere to this game so far despite the early Chelsea goal.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 20:16 , George Flood

13 mins: Another injury concern there for Newcastle as Anthony Gordon appears to pull up lame and isn’t moving great.

But he’s just given a thumbs-up to the Magpies bench, so seems fine to continue for now.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 20:15 , George Flood

11 mins: Moises Caicedo was winded earlier after a tussle with Bruno Guimaraes but is continuing in the game okay.

Nothing doing for Newcastle at the moment in response as Chelsea come forward again and another Cole Palmer sighter is held by Martin Dubravka.

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 20:14 , George Flood

Here is that Chelsea opener, scored after only six minutes.

That Palmer strike definitely needed the wonderful flick from Jackson...

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 20:13 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Dan Kilpatrick at Stamford Bridge

In the week that Gareth Southgate names his final England squad before the Euros, that's another big moment for Cole Palmer, even if Nicolas Jackson is claiming the goal after a deft touch.

The perfect start for Mauricio Pochettino. All the noise coming from the Chelsea fans is positive.

GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle | Nicolas Jackson 6'

Monday 11 March 2024 20:08 , George Flood

6 mins: Chelsea break the deadlock early!

Malo Gusto’s deflected cross from the right is poorly hacked away by Sven Botman, falling only as far as Cole Palmer.

Palmer’s low effort is flicked brilliantly past Martin Dubravka and into the bottom corner by Nicolas Jackson.

Just the start that Mauricio Pochettino needed.

Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 20:07 , George Flood

5 mins: A flat start this from Chelsea as Cole Palmer tries to instigate an early attack, but the danger is quickly snuffed out.

All rather subdued from both sides so far in the opening exchanges.

Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 20:05 , George Flood

2 mins: It’s Newcastle doing the early pressing at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea not looking comfortable at all trying to play out from the back from goal kicks.

Route one might be the order of the day instead from Djordje Petrovic, lest they invite more unnecessary pressure.

Gary Neville certainly isn’t a fan...

Chelsea vs Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 20:02 , George Flood

Underway at a rainy Stamford Bridge!

This feels like a big night for Mauricio Pochettino.

Can his players deliver to ease the mounting pressure?

Here we go. Both sides in their familiar home strips, John Brooks is the referee.

Chelsea vs Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 20:01 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Dan Kilpatrick at Stamford Bridge

Players out at Stamford Bridge in what is really a battle for a place in the top 10 or, at very best, a spot in the Europa Conference League -- not what either of these clubs envisaged at the start of the campaign.

The longer-term rivalry between these two is more engaging: could Saudi-backed Newcastle usurp struggling Chelsea in the 'big six' over time?

Chelsea vs Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 19:59 , George Flood

Here come the teams at Stamford Bridge!

Good omens for Chelsea

Monday 11 March 2024 19:54 , George Flood

To say Chelsea have dominated at home against Newcastle in the recent Premier League era would be putting it mildly.

The Blues have lost just one of their last 28 top-flight matches against tonight’s opposition at Stamford Bridge, and that was all the way back in 2012 under Roberto Di Matteo, when a superb brace from Papiss Cisse secured Newcastle’s first win at the ground for some 26 years.

Chelsea’s home form has actually been pretty good amid their current struggles, with only one defeat in the last 12.

Newcastle, meanwhile, will hope to do their first league double over Chelsea since 1986-87.

They have lost six of their last eight on the road though and been conceding a lot of goals away from St James’ Park.

Per Opta Sports, only rock-bottom Sheffield United have conceded more away goals this season than the Magpies.

Monday 11 March 2024 19:43 , George Flood

A huge boost for Chelsea to have this man marshalling their midfield for a pretty must-win game tonight in terms of their fast-fading European hopes.

Newcastle have been strongly linked with his signature in the past...

Newcastle confirm new Harvey Barnes injury setback

Monday 11 March 2024 19:30 , George Flood

Newcastle have confirmed that Harvey Barnes misses out tonight with what they describe as a “minor” hamstring injury.

Another disappointing setback for the former Leicester midfielder, who has missed more than four months of action already this season with a foot problem and only returned to the pitch in February.

Livramento and Almiron come into Newcastle team

Monday 11 March 2024 19:20 , George Flood

Eddie Howe also makes two changes to the Newcastle side that picked up an important 3-0 win over Wolves last time out.

The injured Kieran Trippier is replaced by ex-Chelsea full-back Tino Livramento, while in attack Miguel Almiron is preferred to Jacob Murphy.

Matt Ritchie and teenage midfielder Joe White also come onto the bench with Chelsea loanee Lewis Hall unable to face his parent club and Harvey Barnes a surprise absentee.

Gallagher starts as Chelsea make two changes

Monday 11 March 2024 19:15 , George Flood

Two enforced changes from Mauricio Pochettino to the Chelsea side that drew at Brentford last weekend.

Injured pair Levi Colwill and Ben Chilwell are replaced by Marc Cucurella and Raheem Sterling, though Conor Gallagher is fit to start and captain the side from midfield after shaking off a virus.

Carney Chukwuemeka is back on the bench after injury, with Brazilian forward Deivid Washington also promoted along with teenage defender Joshua Kofi Acheampong.

Newcastle lineup

Monday 11 March 2024 19:06 , George Flood

Newcastle XI: Dubravka, Livramento, Schar, Botman, Burn, Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes, Willock, Almiron, Isak, Gordon

Subs: Lascelles, Ritchie, Targett, Krafth, Karius, Jacob Murphy, Anderson, White, Miley

Chelsea lineup

Monday 11 March 2024 19:04 , George Flood

Chelsea XI: Petrovic, Gusto, Disasi, Chalobah, Cucurella, Fernandez, Caicedo, Palmer, Gallagher, Sterling, Jackson

Subs: Sanchez, Thiago Silva, Mudryk, Madueke, Chukwuemeka, Casadei, Deivid Washington, Gilchrist, Acheampong

Conor Gallagher with Chelsea squad at Stamford Bridge

Monday 11 March 2024 18:57 , George Flood

Conor Gallagher IS with the rest of the Chelsea squad at Stamford Bridge tonight.

Now let’s see if he’s fit to start...

Chelsea vs Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 18:45 , George Flood

Not every Chelsea fan is against Mauricio Pochettino these days it seems, with the under-fire Argentine receiving a warm welcome upon arrival at Stamford Bridge tonight.

Official lineups to come very shortly. Stay tuned!

Howe denies Champions League return came too soon for Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 18:35 , George Flood

Eddie Howe can certainly have some sympathy with Mauricio Pochettino, having also been placed under a lot of pressure during Newcastle’s struggles to live up to last season’s impressive campaign.

Speaking ahead of the trip to west London tonight, the Magpies boss denied that a return to the Champions League had simply come too early for his team, who have really struggled away from home this term and currently sit 10th and 15 points off the top four.

"I don't think I can look at it that way,” he said.

"We were delighted to qualify for the Champions League. There was no part of me that was thinking, 'We're not ready for this' or, 'It's too early'.

"You have to grab the opportunity when it's there and we did.

“But of course with that comes the expectation and then you have to deal with that. We have to do better at dealing with that. This season has been a challenge."

Pochettino delivers Mourinho verdict in vow over Chelsea future

Monday 11 March 2024 18:22 , George Flood

Following those latest hurtful chants at Brentford, Mauricio Pochettino was also asked before tonight’s visit of Newcastle if he felt that Jose Mourinho could do a better job than him at Stamford Bridge.

“I respect Jose,” he said. “He’s my friend and he was amazing for this club. Circumstances are circumstances.

“We need to keep pushing, believing in us, and accept all the things that came from the fans. Of course, I respect the fans.

“You need to ask the players. If the players believe that with another coach they’ll do better, I am the first to say: ‘Hey, they can go and talk with the owner and the sporting director.’

“But do you see me worried about this? No. Look, is attitude a problem? No. They [the players] are clever enough; you can see in the way they behave and everything that they are behind us. There is no doubt.

“I came here because I knew that it was going to be tough but also knew we were going to need time and belief.”

Pochettino: Chelsea fans wouldn't love another coach any more

Monday 11 March 2024 18:10 , George Flood

An irate Mauricio Pochettino also hit back again at some of the criticism of his struggling side, with a second successive season with no European football now surely on the cards unless Chelsea - currently sat 11th and 11 points adrift of the top six with 12 games left to play this term - can win the FA Cup, with a home quarter-final clash with Championship leaders Leicester coming up on Sunday.

Pochettino again pointed to the youthful nature of his squad and reiterated that his team cannot be compared to successful Chelsea vintages of the past, while also stating that fans wouldn’t love another manager any more.

"I feel young," he said. "I don't feel 52. It's true that (the players) are young, but we like to help them. We like to talk, to train, to support. We are supporting them.

"The fans don't know. The players are so young, playing at Wembley in a final. Maybe they didn't sleep the night before. Sometimes, to analyse with different parameters and the way that you assess is completely unfair.

"Today it is a different Chelsea. If you are going to judge us, comparing the past of Chelsea, for sure no-one is going to win. No-one is going to succeed. No-one is going to be nice with you.

"The fans are not going to love any more another coach at Chelsea. If you compare with the past, when you are in a different project, people need to understand. I've tried to explain. I talk, I move my mouth, but you don't hear.

"I knew it was going to be tough. I knew we were going to need time and belief. The project is about young players, building a new team."

He added: “We love a challenge. We came from a different project at Paris Saint-Germain.

"Here the challenge is massive. We accepted to come here knowing that it's never easy. The pressure and the feeling that you are Chelsea and you need to win.

"But we are so excited to be here and support this project."

Pochettino insists he would 'never' quit Chelsea despite fan ire

Monday 11 March 2024 18:03 , George Flood

Certainly not for the first time in recent months, Chelsea fans loudly expressed their frustrations with the club’s hierarchy and manager last Saturday during a 2-2 west London derby draw at Brentford in which they led at half-time but only ended up salvaging a late point thanks to defender Axel Disasi’s header.

Chants of “f**k off Mauricio” could be heard from angry supporters on a difficult 52nd birthday for the Argentine, who also had to contend with calls for beloved ex-manager Jose Mourinho - currently out of work after being sacked by Roma in January - to return to the Stamford Bridge dugout.

In the build-up to tonight’s game, Pochettino was asked if he would consider walking away from the Chelsea job.

“No. Why? Never,” he said.

Chelsea vs Newcastle prediction

Monday 11 March 2024 17:49 , George Flood

Chelsea have already beaten Newcastle at Stamford Bridge once this season, albeit in fortuitous circumstances after their penalty triumph following a dramatic late 1-1 draw in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals in December.

However, they were thrashed 4-1 at St James’ Park back in November.

With the home fans in open revolt and the team still maddeningly inconsistent, a narrow away win certainly does not feel out of the question, despite Newcastle’s well-documented struggles on the road.

Newcastle to win, 2-1.

Newcastle team news

Monday 11 March 2024 17:44 , George Flood

Newcastle are missing England full-back Kieran Trippier, who suffered a knock in the 3-0 home win over Wolves last weekend that was described as minor but is still expected to keep him out of both tonight’s game and Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final tie against Manchester City.

Callum Wilson, Joelinton and Nick Pope are among Eddie Howe’s other major absentees, along with the suspended Sandro Tonali.

Matt Targett has been working his way back to fitness of late after a thigh problem and Chelsea loanee Lewis Hall is ineligible to face his parent club.

Chelsea team news

Monday 11 March 2024 17:40 , George Flood

Injury-plagued Chelsea were dealt a new triple fitness blow ahead of tonight’s key game, with Conor Gallagher rated a doubt having been struggling with a virus of late.

Levi Colwill suffered a toe injury against Brentford on Saturday and Ben Chilwell has now been sent to see a knee specialist.

The defensive duo join the likes of Benoit Badiashile, Reece James, Christopher Nkunku, Romeo Lavia, Lesley Ugochukwu, Carney Chukwuemeka and Wesley Fofana on the sidelines.

Where to watch Chelsea vs Newcastle

Monday 11 March 2024 17:36 , George Flood

TV channel: Tonight’s game will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Ultra HDR.

Coverage starts at 6:30pm GMT.

Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers will also be able to watch on a live stream online via the Sky Go app.

Welcome to Chelsea vs Newcastle live coverage

Monday 11 March 2024 17:34 , George Flood

Good evening and welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage of Chelsea vs Newcastle in the Premier League.

Mauricio Pochettino is desperately seeking a morale-boosting victory tonight that would ease yet more growing pressure on his position following that galling Carabao Cup final loss to Liverpool at Wembley and a dramatic west London derby draw at Brentford in which frustrated fans once again called for him to go.

Perhaps equally in need of a positive result is Eddie Howe’s Newcastle, who like their opponents have endured a difficult campaign to date and are currently marooned in mid-table after finding wins preciously hard to come by of late - especially on the road.

Kick-off under the Stamford Bridge lights on Monday Night Football is at 8pm GMT, so stay tuned for match build-up, all the latest team news and live updates, plus expert analysis from Standard Sport’s chief football correspondent Dan Kilpatrick in west London.