CHELSEA were held to a 1-1 draw on the final day of the Premier League season against Newcastle.
The Blues went 1-0 down early in the game after Anthony Gordon put the Magpies ahead with a tap-in.
But Kieran Trippier’s own goal after Raheem Sterling’s goal-bound effort brought Frank Lampard’s side back into it.
Both sides had chances to win the game but ultimately the spoils were shared as Newcastle finished the season in fourth.
Chelsea finished their lowest position this century as they came 12th in what’s been a dismal season.
But Mauricio Pochettino has now reportedly signed his contract as Chelsea boss and will begin work next week with the club.
Here’s how SunSport’s Matt Penn rated the Blues’ performances…
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 4
Not big enough. Not commanding enough. Actually had a decent chance of saving Anthony Gordon’s tap-in but let it squirm under him.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 5
Nice tribute from Chelsea fans but just isn’t at the races anymore. Was run past with ease too many times.
Thiago Silva – 5
Awarded the Player of the Season award before the game but lost his man in Gordon before Newcastle’s opening goal.
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Trevoh Chalobah – 4
Not comfortable on the ball when the team aren’t playing well. Hooked at half-time for Wesley Fofana.
Lewis Hall – 6
Chelsea’s best player going forward at times and put in a few enticing crosses just as he did against Manchester United in midweek.
But playing out of position, a little frail defensively.
Conor Gallagher – 5
Expected to leave the club in the summer. He means well but won’t be up to the standard Mauricio Pochettino is looking for.
Enzo Fernandez – 6
Always looks for an incisive pass but just hasn’t got the movement in front of him at the moment. Needs a another midfield partner this summer.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 6
An okay likely final outing at Stamford Bridge for Loftus-Cheek, who showed his usual attributes in driving forward into space.
Just struggles to find the final ball.
Came off for Carney Chukwuemeka after an hour.
Noni Madueke – 5
One of Chelsea’s brighter performers at times over the last few weeks, but struggled to get on the ball at all today. Had one shot in the second half and it went high and wide.
Kai Havertz – 3
Non-existent in attack. Looks completely fed up of this season and struts around like he can’t wait to he can’t wait to get on the beach.
Hooked after an hour for Joao Felix, who should’ve started.
Raheem Sterling – 6
Chelsea’s top scorer this season and provided the shot which led to the Blues’ goal.
Ultimately lack of consistency and fitness has cost him and Chelsea throughout the 2022/23 campaign.
Substitutes
Wesley Fofana (6) – Didn’t have a lot to do but at least he didn’t concede. That’s always something.
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Carney Chukwuemeka (6) – Did fine when he came on. Chelsea were the better side with him on the pitch.
Joao Felix – (5) – Missed a sitter of a header in the final minute of the game.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
