Newcastle United's defensive frailties were exposed once again as they surrendered a commanding two-goal advantage to draw 2-2 with Chelsea in a pulsating Premier League clash at St James' Park on Saturday. Eddie Howe's side, still reeling from a derby defeat to Sunderland, appeared to be cruising after a Nick Woltemade double, but a second-half revival from Enzo Maresca's Blues saw them fight back for a deserved point.
Magpies Soar Before the Break
The home side made a dream start, taking the lead after just four minutes. Sandro Tonali's midfield interception allowed Bruno Guimaraes to release Jacob Murphy on the right. Although Robert Sanchez saved Anthony Gordon's initial effort, Nick Woltemade was alert to smash the rebound into the roof of the net.
Newcastle's intensity, sorely missing the previous week, was overwhelming. Their midfield trio dominated possession, and their high press caused Chelsea constant problems. The lead was doubled on 20 minutes when Lewis Hall found Gordon, who cut inside and crossed for Woltemade to poke home his second after a lengthy VAR check for offside.
Chelsea's Second-Half Resurgence
The complexion of the game changed entirely after the interval. Chelsea emerged with renewed purpose and halved the deficit within four minutes. After Jacob Ramsey fouled Cole Palmer 25 yards out, Reece James stepped up to curl a magnificent free-kick past Aaron Ramsdale and in off the post.
With the momentum firmly shifted, Chelsea's attacking trio of Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho, and Joao Pedro began to terrorise the Newcastle defence. The equaliser arrived in the 66th minute. A long clearance from Sanchez was controlled by Joao Pedro, and as defender Malick Thiaw slipped, the striker raced clear to finish coolly past Ramsdale.
Missed Chances at Both Ends
The final quarter of the match was end-to-end, with both sides chasing a winner. Chelsea looked the more likely, with Garnacho firing over and Moises Caicedo threatening. However, Reece James produced a crucial last-ditch tackle to deny substitute Harvey Barnes a certain goal after a through-ball from Yoane Wissa.
Newcastle's best late opportunity fell to Barnes again, whose 85th-minute volley whistled agonisingly wide of the post. The draw ends Chelsea's run of three consecutive league defeats at St James' Park but will feel like two points dropped for the visitors, who finished the stronger side.
The result leaves questions over Newcastle's ability to hold onto leads, a recurring theme this season, while Chelsea will take heart from a character-filled performance that showcased their attacking potential under Maresca.
