Features
Away days: Chelsea
Written by Tom Easterby
Sunday sees Newcastle United face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, where Papiss Cisse’s heroics helped them earn a memorable Premier League victory in 2012…
Club: Chelsea
Stadium: Stamford Bridge
Capacity: 41,631
Distance from St. James’ Park: 286 miles
This weekend's FA Cup fourth round tie sees the Magpies come up against Chelsea, the reigning Premier League champions, who wrapped up the league title in style during Antonio Conte’s first season in charge. However, previous trips to Stamford Bridge haven’t quite gone as well as those of a Newcastle persuasion would have hoped.
In fact, United have won just once at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League era. That came in May 2012, when a Magpies side – who would finish an excellent season in fifth place – triumphed 2-0, with both goals coming from Papiss Cisse. His second goal, a looping, outside-of-the-boot half-volley which flew past Petr Cech, won the Match of the Day’s Goal of the Season award.
Aside from that memorable night in the capital, there haven’t been too many moments to savour for United supporters at Stamford Bridge, which has been Chelsea’s home since 1905. Away from league action, there was an excellent 4-3 victory for Chris Hughton’s Newcastle in a League Cup tie there back in September 2010, when goals from Nile Ranger, Ryan Taylor and a Shola Ameobi brace won it for the visitors.
On one more recent visit, Newcastle were beaten 5-1 defeat during Steve McClaren’s time in charge in January 2016. Rafa Benitez – who had a temporary spell in charge at Stamford Bridge, winning the Europa League in 2013 – watched as Dwight Gayle gave his side the lead in last December's meeting, before the Blues fought back to win 3-1. Benitez will hope the Magpies fare better when the two teams meet at Stamford Bridge this weekend.