Newcastle United vs. Chelsea: Winners and Losers from Premier League Game
Chelsea finally succumbed to defeat this season, crashing back down to Earth with a 2-1 loss to Newcastle United at St. James' Park on Saturday.
The media had done a good job of hyping Chelsea's chances of setting a new club record of 24 games unbeaten ahead of kick-off, but Newcastle were having none of it.
After a cagey first half, Alan Pardew's side made the most of the chances that fell their way, and Papiss Cisse was the hero of the hour.
The Senegalese striker came off the bench to score twice, giving the home side a commanding 2-0 lead before Steven Taylor was sent off on 80 minutes.
Didier Drogba scored from the resulting free-kick—nodding home Cesc Fabregas' cross—but despite their efforts against the 10 men, Jose Mourinho's side couldn't find another goal to take at least a point.
Newcastle's victory has blown the Premier League title race wide open, and with that, Bleacher Report takes a look at the winners and losers from St. James' Park.
Winner: Manchester City and the Premier League
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The chase for the title is a two-horse race again.
Until now, Chelsea have threatened to make it all about them, and them only.
The Blues' defeat to Newcastle United means Manchester City have an excellent opportunity to not only close the gap between them and Jose Mourinho's side, but also turn the psychological screw.
Until now, Chelsea have been cruising. This defeat means, like it or not, they will feel City breathing down their neck as we approach the Christmas period.
From being outsiders, City have been let back in.
It also means fans of the Premier League have something to get excited about, as one team marching to the title is never good for drama.
Loser: Diego Costa, Who Knows He Can Do Better
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It's been a frustrating week for Diego Costa.
A poor performance against Sunderland last weekend saw him receive his fifth booking of the season, resulting in suspension against Tottenham Hotspur.
Back in the team after his one-match ban, Costa was far from his best.
That had a lot to do with the performance of the Newcastle United defence, but he will know he contributed to his poor display.
Costa lacked his usual spark and was often found out of position, drifting out wide in pursuit of possession.
He wasn't the threat we know he can be.
Winner: Jak Alnwick, Who Was Excellent on His Debut
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When Robbie Elliot limped off at half-time, Newcastle United fans would be forgiven for fearing the worse.
With first-choice goalkeeper Tim Krul sidelined until the new year, the Magpies are almost running on empty in the goalkeeping department, with the inexperienced Jak Alnwick their back-up for Elliot against Chelsea.
The 21-year-old replaced Elliot after the interval and instantly made his mark on the game, clattering Diego Costa from a cross.
He showed no sign of nerves against the Premier League leaders and come the final whistle, he looked anything but a rookie.
There were times the pressure seemed to be getting to his team-mates, but Alnwick could be seen smiling and joking with his defenders.
He rode his luck, but most goalkeepers do, and he can be proud of a memorable debut for his club.
Loser: The English Media, as Chelsea's Invincibles Charge Is No More
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Jose Mourinho has tried his best to avoid talk of breaking records this season, but the media hasn't relented.
Heading into this game, the agenda being pushed was of Chelsea breaking their own club record of 23 games unbeaten and possibly emulating Arsenal's Invincibles of 2004.
Mourinho was having none of it, and rightly so.
"I wouldn't know [about the record] if you didn't tell me 20 times. I don't care about records," he told reporters on Friday.
It was all in a bid to create a sensational story, to add a different angle to the title race and Chelsea's impressive campaign. Maybe even to get Mourinho to agree and then knock him down when defeat came.
Whatever it was, it backfired.
Mourinho can go back to talking about football, while journalists think up a different line of questioning.
If the Chelsea boss is taking one positive out of this game, it can certainly be that.
Winner: Didier Drogba, After Yet Another Goal for Chelsea
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Didier Drogba has six goals for Chelsea this season, showing age means nothing to his talent and reputation.
Indeed, he is on his way to defying the odds about his Chelsea return, and right now, he's upstaging Diego Costa.
Whereas Costa struggled against Newcastle United, Drogba came from the bench and made a real nuisance of himself. He was aggressive and proved tough to handle.
Drogba was even on hand to pull Chelsea back into the game, heading home Cesc Fabregas' 80th-minute free-kick to make it 2-1.
In the end, Drogba couldn't do it all himself, though, and Chelsea lost.
As for his reputation, it continues to grow.
It seems there are no limits to what Drogba can achieve.
Winner: Alan Pardew, and His Newcastle Team
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If we were naming Newcastle United players as winners, we'd be here all day.
To a man, the Magpies were excellent against Chelsea. They may not have captured the imagination in the way Eden Hazard or Diego Costa can, but what they did was implement a game plan to perfection.
From the defenders to Jack Colback and striker Papiss Cisse, this was a team performance, and Newcastle got what they deserved from the game—three points.
Manager Alan Pardew deserves a lot of credit for that.
Newcastle have turned their season around since mid-October, winning seven out of their nine matches in all competitions.
Two of those wins have come away to Manchester City in the Capital One Cup and now Chelsea.
Loser: John Obi Mikel, Whose Chelsea Days Are Surely Numbered
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You've got to feel for John Obi Mikel.
The Nigerian was hardly at fault for either of Newcastle United's goals on Saturday, but equally, his performance was far from what we see every week when Nemanja Matic is in the pivot.
Matic was suspended for this game, and his absence outlined just how important he is to Chelsea.
Mikel looked off the pace at times, and when he was gifted a free header to put Chelsea ahead, he put his effort wide. Well wide.
Less than a minute after that chance, Newcastle were up the other end scoring the opening goal of the game, too.
This game confirmed all the more that Mikel's days at Stamford Bridge must surely be numbered.
Garry Hayes is Bleacher Report's lead Chelsea correspondent. All quotes were obtained first-hand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @garryhayes
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