Chelsea’s trip to St James’ Park is drawing nearer and ahead of the game, we have picked out six memorable moments the Blues have enjoyed in the North-East and are asking you to vote for your favourite.
Our selections come from the Premier League era – although three are in cup competitions – and involve greats such as Ruud Gullit, Didier Drogba and Ramires, as well as current skipper Reece James.
We have compiled the moments in a video and and you can cast your vote now on the Chelsea Official App by clicking here.
Gullit keeps Cup dream alive | January 1996
An epic FA Cup third round replay went the distance on a freezing January night in the North-East in 1996. Newcastle were pushing for the title – this was the season of Kevin Keegan’s infamous ‘I would love it!’ rant – while the Blues were making great strides under Glenn Hoddle.
Phillipe Albert’s deflected free-kick put the hosts ahead before Darren Peacock’s foul on John Spencer ended in a Chelsea penalty and a second yellow for the Newcastle defender. Dennis Wise levelled, but Peter Beardsley scored a spot-kick of his own to put the ten men ahead.
The drama was far from over. Ruud Gullit equalised in the 89th minute and after the sides couldn’t be separated in extra-time, Chelsea emerged triumphant on penalties by four goals to two, Eddie Newton coolly despatching the winner to secure a famous Cup win.
Gudjohnsen bags a quickfire brace | December 2001
The Blues beat top-of-the-table Newcastle courtesy of two fine Eidur Gudjohnsen goals, either side of Alan Shearer’s equaliser.
The Icelandic attacker showcased his finishing ability with a cool one-on-one effort and then a close-range strike as Claudio Ranieri’s team underlined their status as Premiership dark horses.
Robben's solo strike | November 2004
The Blues progressed past Newcastle after extra time in this League Cup fourth-round tie, with the contest lit up by a stunning solo goal from the slaloming Arjen Robben.
The Dutchman, early in his Blues career, beat three home defenders with a blend of speed and skill and then slipped his finish past Shay Given to seal a 2-0 success.
Drogba free-kick settles it | December 2006
Another League Cup tie, this time a quarter-final just before Christmas in 2006, yielded a moment of brilliance from Didier Drogba ten minutes from time.
The in-form Ivorian whipped a free-kick into the top corner, netting his 17th goal of the season in the process and booking our place in the semis in a competition we would go on to win the following February – courtesy of two more Drogba goals.
Ramires sparks late comeback | September 2015
Chelsea had struggled at the start of the 2015/16 season and it looked like our indifferent form would continue as we trailed Newcastle 2-0.
However, Ramires blasted us back into the game with a spectacular long-range effort that ranks among his very finest goals – and that’s saying something!
Fellow Brazilian Willian then snatched a point with an inswinging free-kick that evaded everyone on its way in.
Reece’s two rockets | October 2021
The Blues skipper fired home a pair of goals in 12 second-half minutes at St James’ Park as Thomas Tuchel’s league leaders underlined their credentials with a comfortable away win.
The first was struck into the top corner on his left after a cross wasn’t fully cleared, and the second came from his right with even more velocity when Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s blocked shot fell kindly into his path just inside the box. Two very special strikes indeed!
Vote for your favourite Blues moment at St James' Park now on the Chelsea Official App! Click here now to have your say.