Thomas Tuchel hit out at Newcastle defender Jamaal Lascelles’ “reckless” tackle that left Tammy Abraham with an ankle injury.

Lascelles avoided any censure from referee Peter Bankes despite a scissor tackle that upended the Chelsea striker in the Newcastle area.

Olivier Giroud and Timo Werner scored as Chelsea ran out 2-0 winners to climb into the Premier League’s top four for the first time since December.

Magpies boss Bruce insisted almost half the league will still be looking over their shoulders at the relegation zone, calling for calm in the wake of another demoralising defeat.

“I think there’s seven or eight teams that are always looking probably over their shoulders,” said Bruce.

“That’s the nature of the Premier League when you’re in the bottom half.

“You always hope you can get to the magical figure whatever it is.

“We certainly haven’t got enough points at the moment, and hopefully we can put a couple of wins together very, very quickly.”