Scorers: Dwight Gayle 23, Ayore Perez 59 & 63.
Before the kick-off of round 38, Chelsea in theory still had no hope of finishing in the top 4, but Conte and his team both understood that the chances for them, in reality, were not many.
That mentality combined with the FA Cup final waiting ahead – against Man Utd on May 19 – made Chelsea seem to give up right before stepping onto the grass of Newcastle’s St James’ Park on the evening of May 13.
One year after lifting the championship Cup, Chelsea ended the Premier League season in a bowed position.
When the team was in big disarray, the focus was on the FA Cup – the title that could save an empty season, Chelsea no longer had any image of a big man, of last season’s champion.
Newcastle has survived relegation, ranking 10th before kickoff.
Newcastle had a deserved victory because they entered the match with greater desire and determination.
That positive attitude was rewarded with the opening goal in the 23rd minute, in a situation where Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois tried to push the ball to save the ball, but accidentally passed it to a favorable position for Gayle to head into the net from range.
Chelsea had to wait until the second half to show signs of awakening and start creating opportunities.
Ayore Perez backheeled beautifully, doubling the score from Jonjo Shelvey’s low shot.
Chelsea’s defense played like sleepwalking through the goals they lost.
Between the two goals lost, Chelsea also had a chance to close the gap.
The 3-0 score left the away team paralyzed for the remaining time, despite Coach Conte’s efforts to adjust the personnel for the attack – sending Willian, Morata and Pedro onto the field.
The opportunity for Conte’s teachers and students to restore some honor will now focus on the FA Cup final next Saturday, May 19.
Results of round 38 of Premier League.
Premier League scoreboard this season.
