Pundit explains how Newcastle “absolutely battered Chelsea” on Saturday afternoon | OneFootball

One pundit has been explaining how Newcastle United “absolutely battered Chelsea” on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League.

The Blues drew 2-2 with Toon away from home in what was a very entertaining game to watch for the neutrals at least.

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Chelsea were 2-0 down at half time and were in danger of being truly embarrassed. Newcastle could have easily gone 3-0 up as well if not for a missed chance that looked easier to score.

Reece James grabbed an early goal back after half time with a delightful trademark free kick, and The Blues were luckily back in it.

Joao Pedro was the hero then who grabbed the important equaliser. He held the ball up, and when his marker Malick Thiaw slipped, was perfectly placed to collect his own flick on and race in on goal.

He finished calmly under Aaron Ramsdale, and at that moment it felt like the game could go either way.

But former Toon striker Alan Shearer believes his old club battered Chelsea in the first half at least, and he’s not wrong.

Shearer on the game

Joao Pedro finishes his goal. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

“I think Newcastle’s first-half performance was the best I’ve seen this season from them,” Shearer said on The Rest is Football. “I thought everything that was missing against Sunderland, the aggression, the energy, the pace.”

Co-host Gary Lineker chimed in: “They bounced back well from that result, because they had the good win in mid-week (vs Fulham). Obviously, in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, defending your trophy, Alan. And I think they probably should have won that game yesterday. Particularly the way they played in the first half.”

Battered Chelsea

Shearer continued: “I thought they had enough chances. They absolutely battered Chelsea in the first half. I mean, Chelsea looked as if they didn’t know what hit them; they were all over them. They didn’t let them play. As I said, everything, their pressing was brilliant, and that hasn’t always been the case at all this season for Newcastle.

“They were brilliant in the first half, and deserved their 2-0 lead. But if you ever need an example of goals changing games, then that piece of brilliance from Reece James, the free-kick, changed it completely.”