Premier League leaders Chelsea have suffered their first defeat of the season after they were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle in a dramatic encounter at St James’ Park.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho was looking for a first ever League win at Newcastle but Papiss Cisse came off the bench to put the hosts 2-0 up.
Substitute Papiss Cisse scored twice for Newcastle after entering in the 53rd minute, giving his side a seemingly unassailable advantage heading into the closing stages. But the Magpies then had to endure a tense finish after defender Steven Taylor saw red and Didier Drogba pulled back a late goal for Chelsea.
Though defeat will not knock Chelsea off the top of the Premier League table, it could reignite the title race in England’s top flight. The Blues had held a commanding six-point lead heading into Saturday after going 14 games unbeaten to start the season, but Manchester City have now cut the lead to three points after their victory against Everton on Saturday
The loss ended Chelsea’s 23-match unbeaten run in all competitions, a run that included 17 league matches dating back to the end of last season. Jose Mourinho’s side will try to get back on track with a home match against Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday in the UEFA Champions League. The Blues will then resume Premier League play next Saturday at home to Hull City.
For Newcastle, Saturday’s victory continued a strong run of form against Chelsea in recent seasons. Manager Alan Pardew’s men have beaten the Blues each of the last three times the two teams have met at St. James’ Park, and this latest win will be especially welcome in the blue half of Manchester.
Up next for Newcastle is a trip to Arsenal next Saturday.
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