Newcastle analysis: Stamford Bridge hoodoo ended by committed display
· Yahoo Sports
The word hoodoo does not quite cover it.
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You had to go back to the night Papiss Cisse stunned Chelsea for the one and only time Newcastle previously triumphed at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.
This side do not tend to fare particularly well on their travels, but there was no danger of Eddie Howe's team writing this game off before a monumental Champions League tie against Barcelona on Wednesday night.
Howe made it clear to his players how big this match was, and how they needed to perform.
That message got through.
The Newcastle head coach may have made six changes, but those who came into the side recognised the importance of getting a result as the visitors looked to mount a late push for Europe.
Not least the returning Tino Livramento, who set up the decisive goal in his first start since January, after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Not only did the defender have the athleticism to quickly carry the ball forward from the centre-back position to the centre circle as three Chelsea players chased him.
He also had the technical ability to thread the ball through for Willock in the build-up to Anthony Gordon opening the scoring.
His former club Chelsea should not have needed any reminding of those qualities, but such a contribution ultimately proved the difference on a night committed Newcastle showed their mettle.
No wonder those in the away end gave their side a huge ovation at full-time. This was a gutsy display.