Newcastle thrash Chelsea 3-0 as top four hopes end

Ayoze Perez scored twice as Newcastle thrashed Chelsea 3-0 at St James Park

Chelsea missed out on a place in next season’s Champions League after being beaten by Newcastle’s outstanding performance on the last day of the Premier League campaign.

The Blues had a chance of sneaking into the top four by winning against the Magpies, but Liverpool’s victory over Brighton means they finish fifth and must settle for a Europa League spot.

Last year’s champions were second best throughout the game at St James’ Park and fell behind through Dwight Gayle’s close-range header.

A barrage at goal from the hosts forced visiting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to make sharp saves off the impressive Jonjo Shelvey and Mohamed Diame.

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But Ayoze Perez poked home twice in the second period as his side finished the season in a very respectable 10th position.

Chelsea’s best chance fell to striker Olivier Giroud, but the Frenchman’s acrobatic effort was tipped away by goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.