Newcastle vs Chelsea

Newcastle United picked up their 20th Premier League win of the season, the first time they have won 20+ games in a single season in the competition since 2002-03 (21), which was the last time they finished in the top three of the division.

Chelsea have lost six of their last nine away games in the Premier League (W1 D2); indeed, since Christmas Day, only Leicester City (before their visit to Nottingham Forest later today) and Southampton (both 4) have picked up fewer away points in the competition than Enzo Maresca’s side (5).

Newcastle have scored four Premier League goals within the opening two minutes of matches this season – the joint-most of any side (Brentford also 4).

Newcastle have won seven of their last 11 Premier League home games against Chelsea (D1 L3), including both under manager Eddie Howe.

Chelsea have won 31 Premier League games against Newcastle, only beating Tottenham (37) and West Ham (32) more often in the competition.

Newcastle have already beaten Chelsea 2-0 at St James’ Park this season in the EFL Cup. They last beat the Blues twice in the same campaign in 1986-87 (both in the league), while they last beat them in two different competitions in 1931-32 (league and FA Cup).

Across the last 20 league games for each current Premier League side, only Liverpool (46) have accumulated more points than Newcastle (43 – W14 D1 L5). Indeed, it’s the most points they’ve collected over a run of 20 games in the competition since between 21st September 2002 and 29th January 2003 (44).

After winning three of their previous eight Premier League games (D2 L3), Chelsea have won each of their last three matches in the competition, only enjoying a longer winning run in the competition this season between November and December (5 games).