Mauricio Pochettino went old school after Chelsea’s drubbing at Newcastle – cancelling the players’ day off and hauling them in for extra training.
Newcastle produced a stunning second-half display to halt Chelsea’s Premier League momentum with a 4-1 win at St James’ Park. Jamaal Lascelles’ first-half error handed Raheem Sterling the chance to cancel out Alexander Isak’s opener with a superb free-kick, but the Newcastle skipper gave his side the lead again with a bullet header on the hour.
Joelinton then pounced on Thiago Silva’s blunder on the day he became the Blues’ oldest ever outfield player at 39 years and 64 days. The excellent Anthony Gordon produced a fine solo effort seven minutes from time to seal a thumping win that it was achieved without 13 senior players.
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For Chelsea and Pochettino, it was a bitter blow following their excellent results before the international break, a win at Tottenham and a thrilling draw with Manchester City.
A furious Pochettino didn’t mince his words after the game, branding the performance the Blues’ worst of the season. He is now planning to haul the squad in for extra training to make them learn from their mistakes in the north-east.
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"It was our worst game of the season,” said the Argentine, who served a touchline ban and had to watch the carnage from the stands. It was tough to be in the stands. We cannot complain about the result, we did not read the game from the beginning.
“We did not play how we should play, we showed a lack of intensity and energy. Even after we scored, at 1-1, it was a chance for us to force them to play deep, but it was so easy for Newcastle. That is why I am so upset with the performance.
"It is a young team, they need this type of situation to realise. We will go to the hotel, then train early tomorrow, no time off. We cannot blame the players, it is the team together. We need to understand the level we need to compete, and learn about this situation.
"There are many details, many things that build confidence and strength. We already know what is going on, and we will try to change the dynamic."
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