Michael Essien was an unused substitute in Chelsea’s 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle on Wednesday night.
The Ghana international has found regular first team action very difficult to come by since returning from a six-month injury layoff.
Two stunning goals in the 19th and in added time respectively from Senegal striker Pappis Cisse sealed a vital win for the Toons at Stamford Bridge.
Cisse’s second in particular (his 13th since joining Newcastle in January) was so good that it is already a strong contender for the goal of the season.
The win hands the Tynesiders a massive lift in their quest to secure the fourth Champions League qualification spot.
The result on the contrary for Chelsea, sees their Champions League ambitions fade very fast with two matches left to go.
They probably need to win the final against Bayern Munich on May 19 to play in the competition next season.
