Chelsea spared manager Enzo Maresca further scrutiny after producing a spirited comeback to draw 2-2 with Newcastle at St James’ Park on Saturday.
The Blues looked set for a damaging defeat when Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade struck twice in the first half, punishing Chelsea’s sloppy defending and putting the hosts firmly in control before the break.
However, Chelsea responded strongly after half-time. Captain Reece James pulled one back with a brilliant free-kick, before Joao Pedro capped the comeback with an impressive solo goal to earn the visitors a vital point.
The draw keeps Chelsea fourth in the Premier League, despite a run of just one win in their last five league games. Still, the fightback came at an important moment for Maresca, following a tense week that sparked questions about his future at the club.
On Friday, the Italian dismissed reports linking him with a possible move to Manchester City as “100 percent speculation,” after suggestions he could be a candidate to replace Pep Guardiola. Those rumours followed comments in which Maresca hinted at frustration over a lack of backing from the club hierarchy during Chelsea’s recent dip in form.
Chelsea’s problems were clear early on as Woltemade opened the scoring after just four minutes, tapping in after Robert Sanchez could only parry Anthony Gordon’s effort. The German doubled Newcastle’s lead in the 20th minute, finishing from close range after Gordon’s precise cross, with VAR confirming he was narrowly onside.
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Newcastle nearly made it three before half-time, but Woltemade somehow volleyed wide as Chelsea struggled to cope with the Magpies’ intensity.
Maresca’s half-time talk paid off. James’ superb set-piece ignited the comeback, and Chelsea began to exploit a Newcastle defence weakened by multiple injuries. After sustained pressure, Joao Pedro levelled the score in the 66th minute, latching onto a long kick before coolly finishing into the corner.
The equaliser sparked visible relief for Maresca, who celebrated enthusiastically on the touchline as Chelsea escaped with a hard-earned draw.
