Romeo Lavia takes blame for Newcastle loss in message to Chelsea fans
Romeo Lavia has apologised to Chelsea fans for what he did during their clash with Newcastle, as the Blues’ Champions League ambitions took a hit.
Enzo Maresca’s side were beaten 2-0 by the Magpies at St James’ Park, putting their aspirations of a top-five finish in doubt.
Sandro Tonali opened the scoring for the visitors after just two minutes, before Nicolas Jackson was sent off for an elbow on defender Sven Botman.
Bruno Guimaraes’ 90th-minute deflected strike wrapped the game up for the home side and ensured that Chelsea returned to the capital empty-handed.
The result means that the Blues are only clinging onto the final Champions League spot on goal difference, sitting on the same number of points as sixth-placed Aston Villa.
Lavia takes responsibility for error
In the opening minutes of the contest, Tonali found himself free at the back post to tap Newcastle into an early lead.
However, in the buildup to the goal, Lavia gave the ball away on the edge of the box, and the home side took full advantage of the mistake to score the opener.
After the game, Lavia took to Instagram (11 May) to apologise for the error, posting a story with the caption: “On me. See you on Friday.”
| Date | Competition | Opponent |
| 16/05 | Premier League | Man United (H) |
| 25/05 | Premier League | Nottingham Forest (A) |
| 28/05 | Conference League | Real Betis (Neutral) |
The midfielder doesn’t have to wait long for the chance to make up for his mistake, with Maresca’s side facing Manchester United next in the Premier League in the game the Belgian is looking to, as their hunt for Champions League football continues.
Chelsea also still have a shot at European silverware this season, when they take on Real Betis in the Europa Conference League final.
Chelsea must finish campaign strongly
The success of Chelsea’s entire season hinges on the final few games of their campaign, and it could go either way for the West London side.
They could be celebrating a European trophy and a spot in the Champions League come the end of May, or they could be left empty handed, and resigned to the Europa League.
The Blues had been on a fairly good run in the Premier League prior to the defeat against Newcastle.
Maresca’s side hadn’t been beaten since the middle of March, when a Mikel Merino goal gave London rivals Arsenal a 1-0 win at the Emirates.
However, after defeat in the North-East, Chelsea must ensure they don’t take their foot off the gas for their final few domestic games.
Man United have their eyes on a European final of their own, so Blues fans will expect to take all three points.
Then, Chelsea face Nottingham Forest on the final day of the season, in what could be a huge game with Forest also in the Champions League race.