Chelsea have ended their league losing streak away at Newcastle courtesy of a spirited second half performance to come back from two goals adrift to earn a draw and one point in the Premier League race.
The Blues fell to Nick Woltemade’s two goals in the opening 20 minutes but rallied back in the game through a sublime free kick from skipper, Reece James alongside leveler from Joao Pedro to finish 2-2 at full time in the highly contested game.
Newcastle began the game in a ferocious manner, bullying the west London side and deservedly opened the scoreline through striker, Woltemade, inside the first four minutes, and then doubled up their lead in the 20th minute through the lanky post player in a commanding first half display.
Chelsea, who began the game in fourth place ensured that they finish the match week in the position when James curled in a superb free kick into the net of opposition goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale, after which striker, Pedro, outdoned Mallik Thiaw to score the leveler in the 20th second half minute helping the side leave St James’ Park undefeated in the league for the first time since October 2021.
Although, Chelsea goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez did well to foil Anthony Gordon’s acrobatic volley from entering the net, Woltemade reacted quickly to the rebound to smash into the roof of the net, and then the German deftly diverted Gordon’s searching cross into Chelsea’s net to score the second goal and his seventh of the season.
Maresca, needing a resurging performance in the second half, punched the air after James curled a free kick into Ramsdale’s post to make it 2-1 after four second half minutes. Not long after, Pedro head-dribbled Thiaw to find his way one-on-one with his opposition goalkeeper and thereafter scored to spring the game into life in the last 30 minutes to be played.
Both teams tried to get the winning goal, Newcastle coach brought on three attackers: Harvey Barnes, Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wisa, who helped bring back a lacklustre Newcastle into the game.
Elanga had a promising chance after being put through by a long ball but found his shot skipping inches wide of Sanchez’s goal.
Alejandro Garnacho had three good chances to score after staggering his way into Newcastles’s box but skied his attempt at all three time of asking.
The game set up a grandstand finish with Harvey Barnes missing a glorious opportunity to win it for the home side but he fired wide leaving his coach, Eddie Howe burying his face in his hands on the touchline.
The result on Saturday maintained Chelsea’s six point gap over Newcastle in fourth, Newcastle currently in 11 as at press time.
The Magpies travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United on Boxing Day before facing Burnley away on December 30 in the Premier League while Chelsea welcome Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on December 27 before another home game against Bournemouth on December 30, both also in the league.
