Maresca: Red card makes Chelsea s away game worse, Newcastle s home atmosphere affects referee s penalty

May 11th In the key match of the 36th round of the Premier League, Chelsea lost 0-2 to Newcastle United away, and the prospect of UEFA Champions League qualification was cast. During the game, Chelsea forward Nicholas Jackson was sent off with a red card for elbowing Newcastle defender Sven Botman in the first half, causing the team to play one less player for a long time, and ultimately failed to resist the opponent's offensive and suffered a key defeat in the four-way competition this season.

The red card became the turning point

The game started just 35 minutes, and Nicholas Jackson elbowed Botman in the competition. The referee showed the red card directly after VAR replay. This penalty aroused dissatisfaction with the Chelsea generals. Head coach Enzo Maresca said after the game: "In some stadiums, the referee's penalty is easily affected by the atmosphere. But since the referee decided to be a red card, it is a red card." Chelsea, who played one less, did not collapse. In the second half, it once formed a deadlock with Newcastle with tenacious defense, but conceded the ball again before the end of the game and swallowed the loss.

The team showed spirit but the result was regretful

Maresca admitted the decisive impact of the red card on the game: "It is difficult for 11 people to play here, and it is even worse to play less. However, the team showed unity and fighting spirit in the second half, and we need to continue this energy until Friday's game."

Regarding Jackson's suspension, he responded: "Now we must look forward and focus on the next game." Captain Mark Cucurella also emphasized that the team needs to adjust quickly: "We created opportunities, but the result is disappointing. We must win all the next two games, and our destiny is still in our own hands."

The suspense of the Champions League qualification continued

After this game, Chelsea and Aston Villa scored 63 points. With only two rounds left in the league, Maresca admitted: "The qualifying for the Champions League is likely to not be announced until the last round." Kukurelia added: "The situation is changing every week, but as long as we win the remaining games, we can achieve the goal."

Player reactions and future challenges

Regarding Nicholas Jackson's red card, Kukurelia revealed: "He is frustrated, but the mistake is irreversible. Other players must stand up. Now is not the time to be entangled, we must respond with victory." The final outcome of the Premier League may depend on the tiny details of the last two rounds.