Newcastle 2-2 Chelsea: Blues Mount Dramatic Comeback

Match Review

Chelsea

‘s dismal first-half performance against Newcastle United seemed to be a foregone conclusion. However, a spirited second-half revival, sparked by Enzo Maresca’s half-time team talk, salvaged a draw for the Blues. The visitors’ improvement was almost as confusing as their manager’s recent habit of speaking in riddles.
Newcastle’s Eddie Howe had prepared his team well, and they produced their best half of the season. Nick Woltemade scored twice in response to his own goal that settled last weekend’s Wear-Tyne derby, and the hosts looked set for victory. Chelsea, on the other hand, had failed to show any signs of life.

Turning Point

Whatever Maresca said at half-time must have been far clearer than his utterances in the press of late, where he has hinted at discord behind the scenes. The second-half fightback, sparked by Reece James’ wonderful free-kick and completed by Joao Pedro’s superb solo goal, suggests that manager and players are still on the same page.

Match Statistics

* Newcastle: Ramsdale 6; Miley 8, Schar 6.5, Thiaw 6, Hall 7; Tonali 7.5, Guimaraes 7, Ramsey 6.5 (Willock 89); Murphy 6.5 (Elanga 72, 5), Woltemade 7.5 (Wissa 72, 5.5), Gordon 7.5 (Barnes 72, 5.5)
* Chelsea: Sanchez 6.5; Gusto 4.5 (Fernandez 54, 7), Fofana 5, Chalobah 6, Cucurella 6; James 7.5, Caicedo 6.5; Neto 7, Palmer 5 (Santos 79, 5), Garnacho 5.5; Joao Pedro 7.5

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