Newcastle 0-2 Chelsea

Chelsea ensure the Premier League crown will be decided on the final game of the season after beating Newcastle 2-0.

This entertaining encounter started with Chelsea pressuring Newcastle from the offset. Whilst Chelsea probed and dominated the possession, Newcastle always looked a threat on the counter attack, particularly when they could get Viduka on the ball, supported by Owen and Martins.

Despite their lions share of possession before the break, Newcastle were responsible for the best chance of the half. Martins brought down a long ball in the box, his poked effort was saved by Cech, Owen got on the rebound only to see Terry clear off of the line.

Period two started similarly, Chelsea pushing for a goal and Newcastle trying to achieve spells with the ball.

With 59 minutes on the clock, Chelsea get the breakthrough they were searching for. The goal came from a free kick on the right hand side of the penalty area. Surprisingly Drogba came out of the box to take the kick, a simple chip into the near post, Ballack jumped between two defenders and his deft flick went into the right hand side of Harper.

The goal forced Newcastle to open up and whilst they managed to up the tempo to an extent, Chelsea’s formidable defence seemed to have the upper hand, assisted by the fact that Viduka was replaced due to injury at half time.

Chelsea demonstrated why they are still fighting on two major fronts with ten minutes to go. Their quick passing opened Newcastle up, Lampard’s assist through to Malouda resulted in the Frenchman cutting the ball across the face of Harper into the net.

That goal practically finished the home side’s chances of getting anything from the match and Chelsea played out the last few minutes keeping the ball and frustrating Newcastle.

Chelsea go back to level pegging at the top of the Premier League, although they stay second to Manchester United on goal difference with one final game of the season to go.