Chelsea’s wayward finishing was again on show as their miserable season finished with a 1-1 draw at home to Newcastle, whose travelling supporters celebrated their fourth-placed finish at a sun-drenched Stamford Bridge.
The visitors, fresh from confirming a return to the Champions League for the first time in 20 years earlier this week, came flying out of the blocks and exposed a vulnerable Chelsea defence just nine minutes in, when an unmarked Anthony Gordon converted his first goal for the club from close range.
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A Kieran Trippier own goal (27) gave the home fans something to celebrate, but, despite a series of off-target efforts in the second half and a glorious chance for Christian Pulisic in the final seconds, Chelsea could not find a way to sign off a terrible year with a win.
It could have been worse as Lewis Miley almost had a fairytale first appearance for Newcastle. The Gateshead-born 17-year-old – their youngest-ever Premier League appearance maker – stepped off the bench and clipped a shot against the top of the bar. He got a huge reception from the Newcastle fans, who celebrated long after the final whistle their season to remember.