“What a performance” – John Terry hails “absolutely superb” Chelsea star after Newcastle comeback | OneFootball

John Terry was full of praise for Reece James as he branded his performance against Newcastle on Saturday afternoon as “superb.”

Chelsea responded after a terrible first half performance in which they found themselves 2-0 down thanks to a brace from Nick Woltemade.

Whatever Enzo Maresca said at half time worked, and James began the comeback with a brilliant free kick, whilst Joao Pedro scored the equaliser.

John Terry praises Reece James performance

Maresca opted to start Reece James in midfield alongside Moises Caicedo with Enzo Fernandez named on the bench.

In the first half the Chelsea midfield got over run far too often, but things improved massively during the second half.

James led the Chelsea fightback against Newcastle. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

James started the comeback with a brilliant free-kick, whilst he also produced a brilliant block late on to deny Harvey Barnes.

Alan Shearer believes James changed the game with his goal, and Terry was full of praise for the Chelsea captain as well.

“What a performance from Reece James as well,” he told TikTok.

“Scored the goal, what a tackle he made, I think in the 87th minute, recovering and getting back, saving a goal, absolutely superb from Reece as well.”

Maresca was also happy with James, and it’s great to see him back and performing to his best, whilst he’s also been injury free for over a year.

Estevao and Liam Delap likely to return against Aston Villa

Chelsea will be full of confidence having come from two goals down to get a point at one of the most difficult grounds to visit.

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The Blues will be looking to take that second half performance into the game against Aston Villa, who are flying themselves this season.

Chelsea will hopefully be handed a boost after Maresca confirmed both Estevao and Liam Delap should be fit and available having both missed games through injury recently.