Chelsea out of the Carabao Cup after lacklustre display: Five things we learned from Newcastle 2-0 Chelsea

Chelsea were outclassed, outfought, and outwitted in a 2-0 defeat at St James’ Park against Newcastle after an Alexander Isak strike and Axel Disasi’s own goal.

The result means the Magpies are through to the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup. Here’s five things we learned from the match…

Enzo Fernandez struggles

Fernandez started the game particularly well, showing for the ball and collecting it off goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen deep in his own half. He slowly drifted out of the match, however, with Newcastle hassling the Argentinian international and making things uncomfortable for him. Fernandez captained the side, though failed to lead by example, losing possession 23 times, as well as constantly being outrun by workhorses Sean Longstaff and Joelinton in the opposition midfield.

Lewis Hall impresses against former side

Cobham’s very own Lewis Hall reminded his boyhood club what they were missing out on. Hall was let go by Chelsea in 2023 and Newcastle made his initial loan deal a permanent one this summer. The 20-year-old was comfortable defensively up against Keirnan Dewsbury-Hall, while offering support for the energetic Joelinton and Joe Willock, who interchanged well on the left-hand side. Noni Madueke also failed to cause Hall any real problems when coming on just before the hour mark. Hall left to a standing ovation as he was replaced by Dan Burn in the 70th minute.

Chelsea lack leaders

Chelsea were without Levi Colwill, Moises Caicedo and Reece James for the game against Newcastle. Maresca asked questions of James last week, saying he had “expected more” from the full-back in terms of leadership while admitting his team lacked enough natural leaders. The Blues’ players trudged to the centre circle after Disasi’s own goal, looking defeated. The attitude followed through in Chelsea’s performance for the rest of the night as they looked toothless from then on.

Joao Felix deserves more opportunity

Though creative outlets Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho were all absent, Joao Felix provided a bright spark in an otherwise flat Chelsea side. Felix attempted to make things happen on the handful of occasions he was picked out between the lines, but his teammates struggled to find him for the majority of the night. He was the best of a bad bunch on a miserable night for Chelsea.

Arsenal will have to bring their A game on Saturday

Newcastle welcome Arsenal to St James’ Park on Saturday in the early kick-off. The Newcastle faithful drove their team forward, as is often the case, and made it so difficult for the visitors. Both Chelsea and Manchester City, earlier in the season, have now struggled on Tyneside, and it will be a big challenge for Mikel Arteta’s men too despite Newcastle’s disappointing league form. Bukayo Saka and co will have to be the best versions of themselves should they want to remain in touching distance of the champions.