Chelsea are level! It’s an incredible turnaround for the Blues, who looked totally hopeless in the first half as they struggled against an energetic Newcastle.
But after half time the Blues were a changed team. They suddenly had energy and belief and a will to win. Where was that in the first 45? It’s all well and good starting at half time, but games are 90 minutes long.
Joao Pedro slots calmly after brilliant aerial touch
Joao Pedro finishes his goal.
Joao Pedro finishes his goal. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Reece James drew them level with a free kick, and the momentum in the game shifted a little as suddenly the Blues were finding gaps. It was inevitable, then, that the goal would come from the most route one situation possible.
Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez collected a loose ball and saw Joao Pedro on the halfway line. The keeper fired it up to him hopefully, and all the Brazilian could do was head the ball into the air to keep it in play. It was a lovely touch, and its success caught out Malick Thiaw who was marking him. The former Milan defender slipped, giving JP the chance to gather the ball and charge in on goal.
He finished calmly, rolling the ball under Aaron Ramsdale. We’ve already done far better than expected just by levelling this – to win it would be a sensational turnaround.
You can see the goal in the clips embedded here:
Chelsea level it up! 🤩
Robert Sánchez spots João Pedro, who finishes with confidence.@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/VfdiGV4D2c
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 20, 2025
[Footage from TNT Sport]
In other news…
The Blues’ equaliser came from Reece James, who whipped in a superb free kick early in the second half which really changed the momentum.
Chelsea aren’t far away from a title challenge, at least in terms of the personnel, according to Peter Crouch and Joe Cole on TNT Sports today. We wonder if Maresca could agree with that?
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Reece James fires in a perfect free kick from range.
Enzo Fernandez labours in midfield.
Enzo Maresca with a Man City logo.