Eddie Howe’s Newcastle took a huge step towards qualifying for the as Sandro Tonali inspired them to a vital 2-0 victory over top five rivals Chelsea on Sunday.
Tonali put the Magpies ahead after just two minutes of their Premier League clash at St James’ Park following a devastating counter-attack before Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson was sent off for an elbow on centre-back Sven Botman in the 35th minute.
Bruno Guimaraes then struck in stoppage-time to secure Newcastle’s seventh win from their last nine league games, lifting them to third place in the EPL.
Eddie Howe’s side — aiming to feature in the Champions League for the second time in three seasons — are one point above fourth-placed and three points clear of fifth-placed Chelsea and sixth-placed Aston Villa.