Newcastle fans were expecting the very worst when they travelled to Stamford Bridge for Saturday’s later kick-off time of 17:30, however, ahead of the game they were given some very positive news as Florian Lejeune returned to Premier League action for the first time since the Magpies overcame Chelsea 3-0 on the final day of last season.
Glad to be back, disappointed with the final result but we did our best. Thank you for your amazing support which is very important to us pic.twitter.com/AQcjghsesC
— Florian Lejeune (@lejeune_florian) 13 January 2019
The Frenchman was an absolute rock for the Magpies last season and was one of the reasons why the club faired so well and finished 10th, as his partnership with Jamaal Lascelles saw the Geordies step up defensively in the second half of the season when Rafa Benitez’s side really came into their own and won five of their last nine, including that famous win over Chelsea.
On Saturday, the Frenchman’s return wasn’t quite as glamorous as that Chelsea win, and he found himself on the losing side as Pedro and Willian scored either side of Ciaran Clark’s equaliser. Putting the result aside though, Lejeune’s return, added to the level of performance at Stamford Bridge, must surely be a massive boost for the Magpies and they’ll be more confident of survival with the Frenchman in the side than out of it.
You can read the Geordies’ verdict on Lejeune’s return here:
https://twitter.com/nufcporl/status/1084458725446955013
https://twitter.com/Optimistoon/status/1084472695226544128
Missed you king
— Adrian (@Adrian____29) 13 January 2019
Proud of you all!! Stayed in the game until the final whistle and gave everything you all had!!
— beth (@bethmann99) January 13, 2019
https://twitter.com/foschops/status/1084456594685992962
Glad to see you back and performing the way you can Merci.
— Ryan (@RJ_Mulle) January 13, 2019
https://twitter.com/andyhislop1/status/1084461570024001541
Well played great to see you back.
— Winlatonjrsfc (@winlatonjrsfc) January 13, 2019
Good to have you back big guy
— DUBZZZY #ifrafagoesWEGO (@Dewayne09013165) 13 January 2019
The Magpies are delighted to have their French defender back in the fold and will be a lot more confident in the coming weeks now that Lejeune is fit.
