Newcastle United moved within touching distance of Champions League football next season with a crucial win over a 10-man Chelsea at St James' Park.

The Magpies and Chelsea began the day level on 63 points before Newcastle made the perfect start when Sandro Tonali's close-range finish gave them the lead after just 112 seconds.

The visitors' task was made all the more difficult when striker Nicolas Jackson was deservedly sent off 10 minutes before the break for an unnecessary forearm on Newcastle defender Sven Botman.

Manager Enzo Maresca adapted by bringing on Cole Palmer as a false nine and Chelsea came out of the break with a vengeance, with goalkeeper Nick Pope twice denying Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez.

Reece James missed another great chance for Chelsea, but Newcastle survived to claim a priceless three points in stoppage time when Bruno Guimaraes' shot took a deflection off Malo Gusto and looped over keeper Robert Sanchez.

While it was joy for Newcastle, it was despair for Chelsea, who now face Manchester United at home before a potentially crucial visit to Nottingham Forest, who are also chasing a Champions League place, on the final day of the season.

Newcastle, who have climbed to third, travel to second-placed Arsenal before closing their campaign at home to Everton.