Chelsea fight back from two down to snatch a draw against Newcastle | OneFootball

Chelsea dug deep on Tyneside to rescue a 2-2 draw after an opening half that had threatened to unravel badly for them, while Newcastle were left ruing yet another game they failed to close out.

The hosts flew out of the blocks at St James’ Park and had the Blues on the ropes early.

Nick Woltemade was the standout figure, twice finding space in the box and finishing clinically to put Newcastle two goals to the good before the break. With the crowd in full voice, it felt like Chelsea were heading for a long night.

But what followed after half-time was a familiar story for Eddie Howe’s side. Newcastle have struggled to protect leads this season, and the cracks began to show almost immediately once Chelsea emerged with renewed purpose.

Reece James provided the turning point, whipping a superb free-kick beyond Aaron Ramsdale from distance to drag the visitors back into contention. The goal visibly shifted the momentum, draining confidence from Newcastle and injecting belief into Chelsea.

João Pedro, making a point against a club that had previously tried to sign him, was ruthless when the opportunity arrived. A defensive error allowed him a clear run at goal, and the forward made no mistake, calmly finishing to bring Chelsea level.

The closing stages were open and chaotic, with both teams sensing a late winner. Newcastle came closest when Harvey Barnes met a cross on the volley, but his effort drifted wide, prompting visible disbelief from the home bench.

When the final whistle arrived, the draw felt far more damaging for Newcastle than Chelsea.

With this result, the Blues remain fourth, while Howe’s side stay 11th, but can be leapfrogged with other results from this weekend.