Newcastle United surrendered a two-goal lead against Chelsea, drawing 2-2 at St. James' Park on Saturday. Nick Woltemade's first-half brace put the Magpies in a commanding position, but Chelsea fought back with goals from Reece James and Joao Pedro to secure a point.
Newcastle started the game brightly, with Woltemade scoring in the 4th minute after Robert Sanchez saved Anthony Gordon's close-range shot. Woltemade doubled the lead in the 20th minute, toe-poking in a cross from Gordon after a VAR check. Newcastle's midfield, led by Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães, and Jacob Ramsey, dominated the first half. Chelsea struggled to create chances, failing to register a single shot on target before halftime.
Chelsea emerged with renewed urgency in the second half. Reece James reduced the deficit in the 48th minute with a stunning free-kick. The goal shifted the momentum, and Chelsea began to pressure the Newcastle defense. Joao Pedro completed the comeback in the 66th minute, controlling a long pass from Sanchez and finishing coolly past Aaron Ramsdale.
The match became increasingly chaotic in the final stages, with both teams creating chances. Anthony Elanga missed a golden opportunity for Newcastle after being released clean through, and Harvey Barnes' late volley went just wide. A late VAR check for a potential red card on James for a foul on Barnes came to nothing.
This result highlights a worrying trend for Newcastle, who have now dropped a league-high 13 points from winning positions this season. While their early intensity and energy can overwhelm opponents, they struggle to maintain control when the opposition fights back. Manager Eddie Howe needs to find a way to calm the team down and manage games more effectively after taking the lead. The team's inability to maintain their dominance and composure when faced with adversity is a key flaw that needs addressing.
Chelsea's comeback, however, showcased their resilience and fighting spirit. Despite a poor first half, they responded strongly after the break, with James and Pedro leading the charge. The result eases some of the pressure on manager Enzo Maresca after a difficult week.
