Chelsea was beaten 2-0 by Newcastle United on Sunday to see their Champions League-Hoop a blow after the first half Red Card by Nicolas Jackson in St James' Park
Enzo Maresca will have crunch conversations with Nicolas Jackson after the striker saw Red in the first half of Chelsea's defeat in St James' Park. After a variety intervention, Jackson was sent away with his arm and elbow for floors Sven Botman when the men of Maresca walked to an early goal of Sandro Tonali.
A strike by Bruno Guimaraes doubled in Newcastle late in a second half dominated by Chelsea, leaving Maresca to Rue Jackson's moment of madness. The Chelsea manager said: “The next day we will talk to Nico.
“He is our number nine and his season is now ready. You have to avoid things like this. Hopefully he can learn from this in the future.”
Jackson originally received a yellow card from referee John Brooks and Maresca refused to be drawn to whether or not he thought the upgrade was justified. He would only say: “If the refers that it is a red card, we must accept that. But for other errors there was the sound of the stadium (as a factor).”
It now seems that Chelsea has to win both remaining Premier League matches to qualify for the Champions League, but Newcastle should be able to make it with just one victory of their two games. And a relieved Eddie Howe greeted Nick Pope as one of the heroes of a heavily fought victory, the Newcastle keeper made a few excellent stops while Chelsea controlled the second half.
The Newcastle manager, who insisted that Jackson's red card was earned, said: “Nick made two Rescans from World Class. We owed him. They were beautiful rescues – you can't overlook that.
“That was a huge victory for us. We knew the importance of the game and we crossed the line. It is still very tight and we have to keep our focus for two more games.”
And Maresca knows exactly what his Chelsea should do and says: “We have to find a solution and we have to win both games.”
Next for Chelsea is a match against Manchester United. The match has been put forward to Friday evening and Maresca will have to decide who to start in an attack instead of the suspended Jackson.
After that, the Maresca team will take out their campaign with a trip to Nottingham Forest. The forest of Nuno also remains contrary to the qualification of the Champions League, but missed a chance to go to the top five when they were held by the relegated Leicester on Sunday.
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