Olaleye Idowu
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has explained why Newcastle United defeated his team 2-0 in the Premier League on Sunday.
Maresca watched as goals from Sando Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes gave Newcastle the victory over the Blues at St James’ Park.
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson was red-carded following a VAR review for an ill-advised late elbow on the face of Sven Botman in the first half.
Speaking after the game, Maresca suggested that the red card affected his team, adding that it was difficult to play for one hour with ten players against eleven Newcastle players at St. James’ Park.
“Difficult. It’s already difficult 11-v-11 in this stadium, against this team,” Maresca said at his post-match interview.
“Playing one hour with 10 players has not been easy. I think the second half the team showed spirit, togetherness.
“I think it is from there we need to keep the same feeling, same energy for Friday’s game.”
Chelsea’s next game is against Manchester United on Friday.
The result leaves Chelsea in 5th position in the Premier League table behind Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle United and Manchester City.
