Newcastle thrash Chelsea

Newcastle United has recorded a 3-0 victory over Chelsea in Sunday’s Premier League clash at St James’ Park to leave the Blues participating in the Europa League next season.

Chelsea went into the match needing three points but the West Londoners were desperately below-par in the North-East as Dwight Gayle and a double from Ayoze Perez gave the Magpies a deserved win.

While Newcastle end the campaign in 10th place in the standings, Chelsea finish in fifth position, five points adrift of Liverpool who claimed fourth spot.

Newcastle’s opening effort came from Jonjo Shelvey, who stung the palms of Thibaut Courtois with a 25-yard volley, and it set the tone for a dominant 45 minutes from the Magpies.

Mohamed Diame sent two long-range efforts wide of the target, while N’Golo Kante nearly put through his own net after diverting a cross towards his own goal, but Newcastle’s deserved opener finally arrived midway through the half.

Matt Ritchie’s inswinging delivery set up Jacob Murphy for a half-volley from close range and although Courtois clawed the shot out, Gayle was perfectly placed to convert from close range for his sixth top-flight goal of the campaign.

Newcastle’s level had dropped but it did not prevent the home side from doubling their advantage as Perez got the slightest touch to a Shelvey volley from outside of the area to divert the ball into the far corner of the net.

Ross Barkley should have halved the deficit from close range, only to see Dubravka stick out a foot to keep the ball out from six yards, and it ultimately led to Newcastle further extending their lead.

A deep free kick from the right was met by Florian Lejeune at the back post, and the defender’s volley back across goal was converted by Perez for his second in the space of four minutes.