By Daily Sports on May 14, 2018

Chelsea missed out on a place in next season’s Champions League after being beaten by Newcastle’s outstanding performance on the last day of the Premier League campaign.

The Blues had a chance of sneaking into the top four by winning against the Magpies, but Liverpool’s victory over Brighton means they finish fifth and must settle for a Europa League spot.

Last year’s champions were second best throughout the game at St James’ Park and fell behind through Dwight Gayle’s close-range header.

A barrage at goal from the hosts forced visiting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to make sharp saves off the impressive Jonjo Shelvey and Mohamed Diame.

But Ayoze Perez poked home twice in the second period as his side finished the season in a very respectable 10th position.

Chelsea's best chance fell to striker Olivier Giroud, but the Frenchman's acrobatic effort was tipped away by goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.

They have the opportunity to end the season on a positive note in next Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester United (kick-off 17:15 BST).

Antonio Gon-te?

Chelsea last played in the Europa League in the 2012-13 season, when they ended up winning the trophy under the guidance of now Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez.

But the 2016-17 champions end this poor season four places, 23 points and 23 goals worse off than last year.

There has been much speculation about manager Antonio Conte's future at Stamford Bridge and if it does prove to be his last league game, the Italian went out with a whimper.

His side failed to register a single shot in the first 45 minutes and the usually passionate Italian watched on with his arms folded as his side fell apart by conceding two more after half-time.

If Conte does leave, he will have a chance to end his Chelsea career on a high by winning the FA Cup against rival Jose Mourinho at Wembley, but his side will have to show a marked improvement from this showing in the north east to claim silverware.

Giroud did eventually test Dubravka with an instinctive shot on 51 minutes, while Ross Barkley – making his first Chelsea appearance since 31 January – saw an effort kept out by the Slovak goalkeeper. (BBC)

•Photo shows Ayoze Perez scoring against Chelsea

Source Daily Sports

Posted May 14, 2018

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