Newcastle 2-2 Chelsea: Woltemade brace wasted as Blues strike twice in second-half surge | OneFootball

Chelsea rescued a point at St James’ Park with a spirited second-half recovery as Newcastle United once again failed to protect a commanding lead.

The hosts looked firmly in control at half-time after Nick Woltemade struck twice to cap a dominant opening period.

Newcastle United started with an intensity that had been missing in recent weeks and were rewarded inside four minutes when Woltemade reacted quickest to score from close range.

Their confidence grew with every passing minute and the midfield regained its authority as they moved the ball with speed and purpose.

Woltemade doubled the advantage in the 20th minute after finishing another dangerous delivery with a clever touch that beat Robert Sanchez following a VAR check.

At 2-0 they appeared comfortable and well placed to secure a victory that would steady their season.

Chelsea struggled badly before the break and offered little resistance as their defensive shape repeatedly faltered under pressure.

That changed almost immediately after the restart when Reece James produced a moment of quality to swing the momentum.

The Chelsea captain curled a superb free-kick beyond Aaron Ramsdale to give the visitors belief and ignite a previously flat performance.

With the deficit reduced Chelsea began to play higher up the pitch and their midfield started to impose itself.

Newcastle United grew nervous as familiar doubts crept in and their control gradually slipped away.

The game turned sharply when a penalty appeal for a challenge on Anthony Gordon was waved away and Chelsea struck again moments later.

Joao Pedro punished his former suitors by racing through and finishing calmly to level the score and complete the comeback.

It was another example of Newcastle United’s troubling tendency to drop points from winning positions and the frustration inside the stadium was unmistakable.

Both teams had chances to win it late on as the match opened up and became increasingly stretched.

Harvey Barnes went closest for Newcastle United but his late effort failed to find the target after a promising opening.

Chelsea held on and left with a point that felt improbable given how poorly they played in the first half.

For Enzo Maresca it was a response that highlighted his side’s resilience even if their inconsistencies remain.

For Newcastle United it was another missed opportunity and a familiar story of control lost when it mattered most.

The draw leaves Chelsea firmly in the top-four picture while Newcastle United are left reflecting on what might have been once again.