Newcastle United player ratings v Chelsea.placeholder image
Newcastle United player ratings v Chelsea. | Getty Images
Newcastle United 2-2 Chelsea player ratings: Here’s how Nick Woltemade, Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall fared at St James’ Park.
The Magpies went into the game looking to bounce back from last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at Sunderland but in good recent form at St James’ Park having gone nine games unbeaten at home, winning eight.
Eddie Howe made four changes to the side that beat Fulham 2-1 in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
Nick Woltemade returned to the side leading the line and quickly put his derby blues behind him by putting Newcastle ahead after just four minutes with a close-range finish.
The German then doubled Newcastle’s lead with a classy volley into the bottom right corner from Anthony Gordon’s cross.
Pedro Neto had the ball in the net at the end of the first half for Chelsea, but it was quickly disallowed for handball as the sides went in at 2-0.
Newcastle will have been disappointed not to have extended their lead further following a dominant opening 45 minutes but were left even more frustrated minutes into the second half when Reece James pulled a goal back from a direct free-kick.
Chelsea then grabbed an equaliser through Joao Pedro after the Brazilian capitalised on Malick Thiaw’s slip to make it 2-2.
Both sides pushed for a winner in the closing stages of the match but it ultimately never came as the points were shared.
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Here are the Newcastle United player ratings from the match...
Aaron Ramsdale - 6
Couldn’t keep out James’ free-kick at the start of the second half but made a good save to deny Pedro Neto from making it 2-2. Not his greatest game distributing the ball but still made several good passes forward.
Lewis Miley - 8
Made a great challenge high up to win the ball back and create a good chance for The Magpies. Adapting to his new role well, cutting out several balls forward and defending brilliantly. Headed over at the end of the first half. Quality.
Malick Thiaw - 6
Read the game well and kept Chelsea at arm’s length in the first half. Slipped to allow Joao Pedro to equalise in the second. Recovered well to defend after a rare error.
Fabian Schar - 6
A solid showing from the birthday boy so far but was turned on a couple of occasions. Blasted a free-kick well over the bar and shot over on the volley late on.
Lewis Hall - 8
Such a boost to see him back in the team. On the front foot and consistently winning the ball back down Newcastle’s left side. Gave Chelsea a bit more space in the second after not allowing them a sniff in the first.
Sandro Tonali - 7
His impressive cameo on Wednesday had done him good. Showing signs of getting back to his best, though his passing could be sharper.
Bruno Guimaraes - 7
Sprayed the ball out wide for Murphy in the build-up to the opener. Tired towards the end but kept pushing.
Jacob Ramsey - 7
Alert from the start with some clever touches and challenges. Found space well and remained lively. Conceded the free-kick that led to Reece James pulling a goal back.
Jacob Murphy - 6
A great ball into the box for Woltemade’s opener. Posed a threat with his deliveries but was quite sloppy on the ball generally.
Anthony Gordon - 8
Played a vital role in the early opener by winning the ball back and having a close-range effort saved by Robert Sanchez. Should have scored moments later. Put in an excellent cross for Woltemade’s second. Properly up for it in the first half but ran out of steam in the second.
Nick Woltemade - 8
Showed good composure to coolly put Newcastle ahead early on and applied a devastating finish to double Newcastle’s lead. What a reaction from the German after last weekend’s disappointment. A classy striker’s display and could have made it 3-0 on the stroke of half-time. Faded in the second half as Chelsea came back into the game.
Substitutes
Yoane Wissa - 6
On for Woltemade 72: Gave Newcastle a different focal point for the closing stages but didn’t get a sniff of goal.
Harvey Barnes - 6
On for Gordon 72: Had a couple of decent runs. Had a good opportunity to put Newcastle back in front but was denied by a good challenge from Reece James. Volleyed just wide late on.
Anthony Elanga - 5
On for Murphy 72: Lacked conviction from the bench. Slipped through Bruno Guimaraes for a good opportunity and tracked back to block a low cross from Marc Cucurella. Shot just wide late on after a positive run forward.
Joe Willock - n/a
On for Ramsey 89: A late cameo.
Next up for Newcastle United is a Boxing Day trip to Old Trafford, where they will face Manchester United.
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