North East | Newcastle United let two goal lead slip

Newcastle United 2 - 2 Chelsea

João Pedro returned to haunt former suitors Newcastle as his side demonstrated their resilience by fighting back from two goals down to earn a point.

Author | Ryan Gates

Stadium | St. James' Park

It appeared a daunting task for Chelsea in a raucous north-east atmosphere after a composed first-half double from Nick Woltemade put Newcastle firmly in control by the interval.

Yet Newcastle’s fragility from winning positions is well documented. No team has surrendered more points from such situations in the Premier League this season, with the total now standing at 13.

Nerves crept into the stands early in the second half when Chelsea captain Reece James reduced the deficit with a superb 25-yard free-kick, struck with precision and authority.

Tensions rose further when Newcastle were denied a penalty after Trevoh Chalobah barged into Anthony Gordon inside the area, moments before Chelsea found their equaliser.

João Pedro, who chose Chelsea over Newcastle last summer, delivered the telling blow. The Brazilian burst clear on goal and calmly finished past Aaron Ramsdale after seizing on a slip from Malick Thiaw.

A chaotic ending and eventually sharing the points

The equaliser set up a frantic finale as the contest opened up. Harvey Barnes was presented with a glorious chance to win it late on for Newcastle, only for the substitute to volley wide, leaving Eddie Howe with his head in his hands on the touchline.

Chelsea remain six points clear of Newcastle in fourth place, while Howe’s side sit 11th for now.