Newcastle United's unbeaten record came to an end in cruel fashion at Stamford Bridge after Kai Havertz's last gasp winner. On a day when a point each would have been a fair result it was the world class vision of Jorginho who picked Newcastle's pockets in the 89th minute with a devastatingly good pass to find the German international in the box and take the points.
But the reality is Havertz may not have been on the pitch at all had David Coote taken a dimmer view of a flying elbow that left Dan Burn on the floor, and even by the time Chelsea snatched it in the last throes, Newcastle may have been a goal up from the penalty award that wasn't. If man in the middle Coote had a nightmare, VAR man John Brooks was arguably worse after failing to spot the errors a second time around.
It was harsh on Eddie Howe's side as his side tasted their first top-flight defeat of 2022 and the first loss in nine Premier League games. Although, despite the disappointment at Stamford Bridge the Magpies now have the platform to push on and seal survival long before the end of the season.
The Blues had the game's first shot at goal when Andreas Christensen attempted a long range effort but it flew over the bar after just two minutes. A corner kick was swung in a couple of minutes later but Antonio Rudiger's header was deflected wide.
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United had to wait until the 20-minute mark for their first effort with Jacob Murphy twisting his way down the left but shooting over the top. Bruno Guimaraes won a free-kick on 25 minutes with Matt Targett curling a delivery to the far post, but Fabian Schar's effort was saved by Edouard Mendy.
With half an hour played Timo Werner's low effort from the right was deflected wide for a corner. Newcastle hit back by winning a corner of their own on 33 minutes. The corner broke down but Targett crossed the ball back in with Burn getting up and flicking it just wide. In the 38th minute Havertz escaped a red card after flooring Dan Burn. But after a review, it was somehow still deemed only a yellow card!
Just before the break Miguel Almiron hammered a shot at goal with Mendy making a fine stop to deny him before Burn blazed over the rebound.
After a half in which Chelsea had 70% of the possession, the Magpies still managed four attempts at goal overall.
The second half started with another opportunity after Targett's throw fell to the feet of Bruno who rolled a shot inches wide after it zipped across the face of goal.
Chelsea responded with more pressure but couldn't convert that into any clear-cut chances. Newcastle felt they should have had a penalty on 56 minutes when Trevoh Chalobah hauled back Murphy by his shirt. But referee David Coote signalled a corner. Moments later Bruno won a free-kick and Targett's delivery was met by Jamaal Lascelles but he could not get a good connection.
With the game locked at 0-0 after an hour, Thomas Tuchel turned to duo Mateo Kovacic and Romelu Lukaku. For all the home side's problems, they were still able to £143million worth of talent.
Chelsea's Werner was upended by Dubravka just before the changes but after a VAR check it was dismissed by the officials back at Stockley Park. Howe made his first substitution to introduce Allan Saint-Maximin for Almiron.
The home side's first effort on target arrived on 77 minutes when Havertz headed at goal but Dubravka held on. Sean Longstaff responded with a shot that sailed over the bar seconds later.
Chelsea replaced Malang Sarr with Christian Pulisic with 12 minutes to go.
A Newcastle free-kick from Targett found Fabian Schar with four minutes left but despite getting good purchase on it Mendy gathered low down. But Chelsea dealt Newcastle with a devastating blow in the 89th minute when a Jorginho ball finally unlocked the United defence.
The Italy international found Havertz who stole in ahead of Burn before applying the finish. Chelsea threatened again in stoppage time as Havertz's effort was pushed on to the bar by Dubravka.
Despite throwing both Ryan Fraser and Dwight Gayle in the four added minutes, Newcastle couldn't find a way through.
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