Chelsea surged back to draw 2-2 at Newcastle on Saturday as Enzo Maresca’s side recovered from a poor first half.
WATCH — Full match replay
Nick Woltemade scored twice for Newcastle, and could have had more, as Newcastle were cruising at half time. But Chelsea hung in there and Reece James’ magnificent free kick was followed up by a stunning solo effort from Joao Pedro to set up a wild finale.
Neither team could find the winner as Newcastle are on 23 points, while Chelsea are on 29 points.
Chelsea’s quality will keep title hopes alive
This game highlighted why Chelsea can be in the title race, but also why they probably won’t be. Their slack defending from wide areas in the first half put them in a hole but their quality in key moments grabbed them a point. Enzo Maresca was furious with the first half display as Chelsea were so open on the counter and gave Newcastle so much time out wide to whip in dangerous crosses. But in the second half they pushed higher up the pitch and they were able to get their quality attackers in more dangerous areas. Reece James and Joao Pedro made that count with moments of real quality and that is why Chelsea can beat anyone, and they have, on their day. If Chelsea can improve defensively they can hang in this title race but they can’t have many more 45 minutes like the first half at Newcastle.
What’s next?
Newcastle head to Manchester United on December 26 for a Boxing Day clash, while Chelsea host Aston Villa on December 27.
Newcastle vs Chelsea score: 2-2
Woltemade 4', 20'; James 49', Joao Pedro 66'
Newcastle vs Chelsea live updates! - By Joe Prince-Wright
Caicedo drills over!
This is such a fascinating game. Moises Caicedo surges forward and drills a shot just wide of the top corner. Both teams are going for the win!
Brilliant defending from James!
Newcastle are in but just as Harvey Barnes is about to finish form close range, James comes out of nowhere to put Barnes off. Brilliant defensive play.
Joao Pedro slots home the equalizer!
There is the equalizer and it was coming. After great hold up play to beat Thiaw, it’s a lovely calm finish by Joao Pedro and it’s 2-2 and Chelsea are in full control.
Neto denied by Ramsdale!
Chelsea counter and Garnacho and Neto combine, as the latter smashes a shot on target but Ramsdale pushes it away. Chelsea are all over Newcastle now.
Schar with a block
James almost grabs another as the ball is pulled back to him but his low shot is blocked by Schar.
Reece James with a beauty!
A wonderful free kick from the skipper has Chelsea back in it! What a goal. Beautiful effort off the post.
Half time: Newcastle 2-0 Chelsea
Enzo Maresca and Chelsea are all over the place at the back and Newcastle should be further ahead. Nick Woltemade has two goals and could have scored more and every time Newcastle get the ball wide and whip in crosses they’re causing huge problems. Surely something has to change for Chelsea and Enzo Fernandez will come on at half time? There is no control whatsoever from Chelsea and they have been so easy to pick off on the counter. Perfect gameplan from Newcastle. So far.
It should be 3-0 and a hat trick for Woltemade!
Another great cross into the box from Gordon on the left is perfect for Woltemade. Stretching, he gets on to it and everyone expects him to score, but somehow he slots it wide. So close to a first half hat trick for Big Nick! And moments later Newcastle go close again as Lewis Miley heads over a free kick. They look so dangerous going forward!
Pedro Neto bundles it home, but he clearly handled
A cross to the back post finds Pedro Neto but his header is in to the ground and bounces up and hits his arm and then goes in. Clear handball. No goal. Chelsea have improved before half time though.
Woltemade again!
Gordon’s fine cross into the box from the left is flicked on by Woltemade and it sneaks into the far post. He has two. Newcastle have two. St James’ is rocking. VAR is going through a long check for a potential offside, but the goal stands.
End to end!
Chelsea respond well as they create a good chance but Garnacho fires over from the edge of the box. At the other end Gordon’s shot is pushed over superbly by Sanchez. Chelsea are complaining about a push in the box before that. It’s all happening!
Woltemade gives Newcastle the early lead!
Big Nick has done it again! After winning the ball back in midfield a brilliant cross from the right eventually finds Woltemade at the second attempt and he fires home. Newcastle have the early lead.
Newcastle lineup
Ramsdale; Miley, Thiaw, Schar, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Ramsey; Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon
Chelsea lineup
Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, James; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Joao Pedro
Newcastle team news, focus
Yoane Wissa has made his long-awaited return from injury and scored in the midweek win against Fulham, which is a big boost for the Magpies. Goalkeeper Nick Pope remains out, while Newcastle are light on defenders with Dan Burn joining Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth on the injury list. We can expect Tonali, Woltemade, Gordon and Elanga to start after they were on the bench for the League Cup win against Fulham.
Chelsea team news, focus
The Blues are without Romeo Lavia, Estevao, Liam Delap and Dario Essugo through injury, while Maresca rotated heavily for the midweek League Cup win. Cole Palmer scored in the win against Everton last weekend and he will start as Chelsea’s entire attacking unit clicks better when he’s in the team.
Newcastle vs Chelsea preview
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle reached the League Cup semifinals in midweek by beating Fulham 2-1, but they lost 1-0 at bitter rivals Sunderland last weekend and are in the bottom half of the table. But such is the congested nature of the table, a few wins over the festive period will see Newcastle surge up towards the European spots. They certainly have the quality to do that but a ruthless edge has just been missing this season.
Chelsea also reached the League Cup semifinals in midweek by beating third-tier Cardiff City, but the scrutiny around their manager Enzo Maresca is the talking point right now. After their routine home win against Everton last weekend Maresca, totally unprompted, described the previous few days as the “worst 48 hours” of his time in charge of Chelsea. He said that was because he and his players weren’t supported. But given multiple opportunities in the press he has not clarified who he is referring to but has said he is happy with the fans. That has opened up a can of worms off the pitch and on it Chelsea are eight points off the top of the table after a bad run of results to kick off December. They need a positive festive period to push themselves back into the title conversation.
How to watch Newcastle vs Chelsea live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 7:30am ET Saturday (December 20)
Venue: St James’ Park — Newcastle
TV Channel: USA
Streaming: Watch live on NBC.com
Newcastle vs Chelsea prediction
This always seems like a tough match-up for Chelsea, but I’m going for them to get a big win. Newcastle 1-3 Chelsea.
