Reece James, Chelsea’s captain, faced severe criticism from fans following a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United, where his second yellow card led to an expulsion. Raheem Sterling equalized for Chelsea after Alexandre Isak’s opener, but quick goals from Joelinton and Jamaal Lascelles tilted the game. James received his second yellow card in the 73rd minute, leaving Chelsea with 10 players. The situation worsened when Gordon secured Newcastle’s victory in the 83rd minute. Fans expressed discontent on social media, with one calling James the “worst captain at Chelsea” and another labeling his actions as “stupid.”
On X, formerly known as Twitter, responses circulated criticizing James for his perceived errors. Meanwhile, Eddie Howe, Newcastle United’s manager, praised his team’s resilience after their triumph. Howe highlighted the character displayed by his players, especially after enduring a series of losses in various competitions. Raheem Sterling’s free-kick and James’ late red card compounded Chelsea’s woes.
In an interview with Premier League Productions, Howe acknowledged the significance of the win, attributing it to the squad’s collective character. He commended leaders like Matt Ritchie, Kieran Trippier, and Jamaal Lascelles for setting a tone of determination and resilience. Chelsea’s next challenge is a league match against Brighton & Hove Albion on December 3, while Newcastle prepares for a UEFA Champions League clash with PSG.
The defeat marked Chelsea’s fifth loss in 13 league games under Mauricio Pochettino’s management. Despite the setback, Howe’s Newcastle displayed a renewed winning spirit, overcoming recent struggles. Chelsea now looks ahead to the upcoming fixture against Brighton, aiming to bounce back from the disappointment against Newcastle. Meanwhile, Newcastle faces a formidable Champions League encounter against PSG on Tuesday.
