Newcastle United ignited both the Champions League and title race with a superb 1-0 victory over Chelsea. In a match that exploded into life after Joe Willock's goal mid-way through the second half, it ended in chaotic scenes as Blues players lost their cool.
But it was only an example of how much Newcastle are rattling the big boys these days. The Blues had lined up with a 3-4-2-1 formation and arrived on Tyneside without a win in their last four Premier League matches and without England international Raheem Sterling who suffered from a sickness bug through the night at the team hotel. Newcastle's number 9 Callum Wilson was also deemed unfit to start the game after a week of illness.
Chelsea tested United after just two minutes when they won a free-kick with Conor Gallagher swinging the ball in but Nick Pope gathered well. Two minutes later Fabian Schar suffered a head injury after a collision and the game was paused for treatment.
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But it was Chelsea who were forced into an early change as Ruben Loftus-Cheek went off with a knock and was replaced by Thiago Silva on six minutes. Schar dusted himself down and continued despite the blow to the head. On 16 minutes the current player of the month Miguel Almiron was offered a sight of goal after Joe Willock's cross was half cleared but he volleyed over the top.
In a game of few early chances, Chelsea broke into the Newcastle box on 28 minutes but one-time loan target Armando Broja could only fire at Pope on the turn after Gallagher's pass. Jorginho picked up a yellow card for steaming in on Bruno Guimaraes with half an hour gone.
A deflected hit from Bruno on 35 minutes was easily gathered by Edouard Mendy before Botman, at the other end, headed clear to deny Broja moments later. Dan Burn's cross on the stroke of half-time was handled by Trevoh Chalobah in the box but the ref waved away protests.
It was the last act of the first half with the teams locked at 0-0 at St James' Park. During the interval, the Blues introduced Christian Pulisic for Azpilicueta.
A couple of openings came five minutes into the second half as Trippier crossed for Wood before Bruno's shot was blocked. Seconds later Newcastle attacked again down the right with the ball dropping for Longstaff but he sent his effort high over the bar.
With 56 minutes played Trippier was booked for a challenge on Broja following a sliding tackle which ref Rob Jones clamped down on. Yet it almost set the tone for United in terms of intensity.
On 57 minutes a Willock cross from the left looked for Wood but he could not connect at the back post leaving Howe holding his head. Eight minutes later sub Pulisic broke into the box but Trippier timed his tackle to perfection to deny him.
Then seconds later Gallagher's curling effort was palmed away by Pope at the Leazes End to keep the scores level. But the breakthrough moment came mid-way through the second half.
Almiron battled hard to beat ex-Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly to the ball before closing in on goal before Willock almost took the ball off his toes to slam home and leave Mendy with no chance. It was a 1-0 lead that Newcastle were worthy of after restricting the Londoners for long periods.
The strike raised the roof at the Gallowgate End and the noise levels went up once again leaving Graham Potter to turn to his bench. On came Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz and Marc Cucurella for Mason Mount, Lewis Hall and Broja. Newcastle then made a couple of changes of their own as Wilson came on for Wood and Willock was replaced by Murphy for the latter stages.
Another defensive change saw Botman come off as Matt Targett was afforded some game-time at St James' Park. Koulibaly was booked for taking the legs of Almiron with two minutes to go as he burst down the right. A generous seven minutes of stoppage time was applied to the game to set up a tense finish.
In a frantic finale Chelsea sent Mendy up as a free-kick was lumped into the box. Newcastle cleared their lines but Joelinton saw an attempt to whack clear blocked with the net unguarded.
Seconds later Almiron almost picked out Wilson and there was a tangle between substitute Jamaal Lascelles and Cucurella. Lascelles was booked for his trouble before the final whistle sparked ugly scenes with Chelsea players venting their frustration at St James'.
Once the mini brawl had settled down Pope, Bruno and Schar sprinted to the Leazes End to punch the air. It was chaotic but felt absolutely glorious for Newcastle fans.
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