Newcastle 1-0 Chelsea: Joe Willock piles pressure on Chelsea as poor run continues for Graham Potter going into World Cup

Chelsea fell to defeat in the last match before the World Cup after Joe Willock's goal for Newcastle at St James' Park.

Graham Potter's side continued a miserable run going into the break, with it all to do when they return in December.

The Blues were dominated from start to finish by Newcastle, who went ahead through a fantastic strike by Willock in the second-half.

Graham Potter looks on against Newcastle. (Alamy)

Newcastle started the dominant side and had the first chance of the game as on-form Miguel Almiron attempted an optimistic volley, connecting well to strike over the bar.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek was soon replaced by Thiago Silva, with the England midfielder pulling up with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

The injury adds to Chelsea's concerns with the likes of Wesley Fofana, Reece James and Ben Chilwell already spending lengthy times out of the side.

Edouard Mendy denies Sean Longstaff. (Alamy)

Chelsea slowly grew into the game and registered the only shot on target in the first 45 as Lewis Hall found Armando Broja with a low cross before the Albania international fired a low strike into the hands of Nick Pope.

The Toon were appealing for a penalty on the brink of half-time, with the ball striking Trevoh Chalobah's trailing arm.

However, after a VAR check, no further action was taken as it was deemed that the defender was using his arm to steady himself in the challenge.

The second-half saw Newcastle dominate once more, and Eddie Howe's side should've been ahead within minutes.

Edoaurd Mendy did well to deny an opener before Almiron found Sean Longstaff moments later, who fired a shot over the bar from close range.

A change of system saw Chelsea change to a back four in the second-half, with Trevoh Chalobah operating from right-back.

And Gallagher, who moved into a preferred midfield role, came close to opening the scoring.

Conor Gallagher in action for Chelsea at St James' Park. (Alamy)

The England international picked up the ball on the edge of the box but his curled strike was brilliantly tipped wide by Pope.

However, it was the hosts that took the lead just moments later after Almiron drove at the Chelsea defence before laying off to Willock, who fired a brilliant strike past Mendy.

Substitute Kai Havertz nearly equalised for the visitors, heading wide from a Hakim Ziyech corner.

Newcastle celebrate after scoring against Chelsea. (Alamy)

The German was then handed another opportunity but failed to register a shot on target from point blank at the near post as Potter's side chased an equaliser.

The defeat made it five Premier League games without a win for Chelsea heading into the World Cup break as they have it all to do when returning to action next month.

A trip to Dubai will await those who are not with their national teams as the Blues' poor form continues.