Alex Murphy makes Premier League bow as Newcastle thrash ten-man Chelsea

Republic of Ireland underage international Alex Murphy made his Premier League debut for Newcastle as the Magpies thrashed ten-man Chelsea 4-1 at St James' Park.

The Annaghdown, Co Galway native, who started his career at Galway United before moving to the Magpies last year, has been capped at Under-19 level for the Boys in Green and received his first Under-21 call-up in September.

With injury-hit Newcastle 4-1 up and cruising, the 19-year-old defender was thrust into the fray against a beleagured Chelsea side on 87 minutes.

Eddie Howe's side produced a stunning second-half display after a first half which saw Jamaal Lascelles' error hand Raheem Sterling the chance to cancel out Alexander Isak's opener with a superb free-kick, but the Newcastle skipper gave his side the lead with a bullet header on the hour.

Joelinton then pounced on Thiago Silva's blunder on the day he became the Blues' oldest ever outfield player at 39 years and 64 days.

The excellent Anthony Gordon produced a fine solo effort seven minutes from time to seal a thumping win, the perfect response to the Magpies' 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth before the international break.

That it was achieved without 13 senior players - Joe Willock and Emil Krafth joined the casualty list on the eve of the game.

The vast majority of a crowd of 52,227 left with smiles on their faces, but wondering what team Howe will be able to field at Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, who had seen his side score eight goals against Tottenham and Manchester City in their previous two games, looked on as a positive first half dissolved into chaos with full-back Reece James receiving his marching orders late on for two bookable