CHELSEA were brought back down to earth today as they fell to their first English Premier League defeat in three games, losing 4-1 to Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Also today, Brighton held on with 10 men to beat Nottingham Forest, who had Super Eagles defender Ola Aina in their starting line-up.
After beating Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 and drawing with champions Manchester City 4-4, Chelsea were expected to give Newcastle United a tough time.
However, it was the Magpies who were ruthless today, with Alexander Isak giving them a 13th minute lead.
Chelsea were back level within 10 minutes through Raheem Sterling and the first half ended on equal terms.
Newcastle then turned up the volume after the break, with Jamaal Lascelles and Joelinton scoring in the space of two minutes before Chelsea captain Reece James was sent off for a second booking.
Anthony Gordon added the icing on the cake with seven minutes left on the clock as Newcastle rose to sixth while Chelsea stayed 10th.
Newcastle have now gone three consecutive Premier League games unbeaten against Chelsea for the first time since 1996.
At the City Ground, Brighton edged a dramatic five-goal thriller, beating their hosts 3-2 despite being one man down.
Forest, without their main striker Nigeria international Taiwo Awoniyi due to injury, got their noses in front early through Anthony Elanga in the third minute.
Brighton responded with goals from Evan Ferguson and Joao Pedro to take a 2-1 lead into half-time.
The visitors extended their lead with Pedro’s penalty 13 minutes into the second half and they looked like cruising to a comfortable win.
But Lewis Dunk got sent off for a second yellow card in the 73rd minute and Morgan Gibbs-White converted from the penalty spot three minutes later to ensure a nervy finale for the visiting Seagulls.
The win took Brighton to seventh in the table while Forest are 14th.
In other afternoon kick-offs in the Premier League today, hosts Luton Town scored late to beat Crystal Palace 2-1, West Ham came from behind to defeat Burnley by the same scoreline and Bournemouth won 3-1 at Sheffield United.
