Ayoze Perez struck twice to end Chelsea's faint hopes of Champions League qualification as Newcastle secured a top-10 finish on their return to the Premier League. Ayoze Perez struck twice to end Chelsea's faint hopes of Champions League qualification as Newcastle secured a top-10 finish on their return to the Premier League. But as the Magpies added fifth-placed Chelsea to the recent scalps of Manchester United and Arsenal, the reigning champions headed south having given themselves little chance overhauling Liverpool in the race for the top four with an insipid display. Newcastle started in confident fashion with Jonjo Shelvey and Matt Ritchie prominent, and it was Shelvey who tested returning goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with a well-struck ninth-minute half volley from Gayle's lay-off. Conte threw on Alvaro Morata, Willian and Pedro, but it was to little avail as the hosts held firm.

Source: Irish Independent May 13, 2018 16:07 UTC