Newcastle defeat ‘worst game’ of the season – Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino insists Chelsea lacked desire and purpose after a disappointing 4-1 defeat at St James’ Park to Newcastle on Saturday afternoon.

The Magpies broke the deadlock in the opening quarter-hour through Alexander Isak before Raheem Sterling pulled out an outrageous effort 10 minutes later from a 24-yard free-kick.

Chelsea seemed to have control in the final minutes before the break but a lapse in concentration saw the game taken away from them in the second half with Newcastle extending their lead by a three-goal margin in the space of 23 minutes.

Speaking after the game, Mauricio Pochettino expressed his frustration with the team’s lack of decisiveness in such a crucial encounter away from home.

“This was the worst game of our season so far”.

“We didn’t show we were playing for something important. Even if we are young, it makes me very, very, very angry”.

“We cannot miss the opportunity to show ourselves at our best”.

A sloppy defensive display saw Chelsea skipper Reece James sent off in a second yellow card offence as the Blues finished the game with 10 men.

Chelsea take on Brighton next Sunday at Stamford Bridge and the Blues will look to turn their fortunes around after taking a further step behind in the Premier League.