Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino watched his side turn in a season-worst performance on Saturday afternoon, losing 4-1 away to Newcastle at St James’ Park.
Raheem Sterling’s sixth goal of the season from a free-kick was one positive as the visitors went into half-time at 1-1. Unfortunately, the Blues collapsed in the second half during the Premier League fixture.
Reece James, 23, didn’t help his team out when he was shown a second yellow card in the 73rd minute. Chris Waddle labelled Chelsea’s captain “silly” for his dismissal, as quotted by BBC Sport.
The right-back will now miss next Sunday’s league match at home to Brighton via a one-game suspension.
Alan Shearer verdict
BBC pundit and Newcastle legend Alan Shearer thinks his former club bullied Chelsea at the weekend.
In particular, he noticed James find it pretty difficult up against Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon.
“Chelsea were terrible in the second half. I think Newcastle made them play terrible by the way they pressed,” Shearer told BBC Radio 5 Live (5:18pm, 25 November).
“Gordon seems to be really enjoying his time in Newcastle and thought he was really great and caused James loads of problems. James got frustrated and that’s what led to him being sent off.”
Reece James display
We actually feel like James was pretty solid for large parts of the Newcastle match before his red card.
He’s only got himself to blame for his sending off, the first booking a needless one for some ill-discipline.
However, he looked more settled compared to some of the defensive teammates struggling alongside him.
Chelsea fans know James is a special individual and their very best on his day, but it’s alarming how few games he plays in a season. He certainly didn’t set the tone as the captain either.
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