Chelsea fought back to claim a 2-2 draw with Newcastle following a scintillating clash in Saturday’s early kick-off at St James’ Park.
The west Londoners were well off the pace in the first half and fell behind just four minutes into the match as Nick Woltemade bundled the ball in after Robert Sanchez had kept out Anthony Gordon’s effort. And Woltemade found space in the penalty area to double the hosts’ lead midway through the opening period.
But the Blues looked a completely different team after the interval, with the visitors halving the home side’s advantage after 49 minutes as Reece James curled a sumptuous free-kick into the back of the net. And Joao Pedro then produced a fine solo effort to draw his side level as he capitalised on a slip form Malick Thiaw before racing clear to score. Both sides pushed forward in search of a winner but were ultimately forced to share the points.
Express Sport rates and slates the Chelsea players...
Chelsea player ratings vs Newcastle (4-2-3-1)
Robert Sanchez: 7
Saved well from Gordon just after the opening goal but was then cautioned for racing out of his goal and remonstrating with the ref. Provided the assist for Chelsea’s equaliser as he picked out Pedro with a quick-thinking long kick forward. Also made a number of decent saves.
Malo Gusto: 4
Was given a torrid time by Gordon after allowing the winger to beat him to the ball at the far post in the lead up to the opener. Then went to ground too easily rather than track Gordon moments later as the Newcastle winger almost doubled the hosts’ advantage. Was hauled off just after half-time.
Wesley Fofana: 4
Was dispossessed in the lead up to the opening goal and then allowed Woltemade to steal in and turn the ball past Sanchez for the Magpies’ second. Had an afternoon to forget and was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the ball struck his hand in the penalty area.
Trevoh Chalobah: 5
Will be disappointed not to have cleared the ball before Woltemade’s first strike as he fluffed his lines after Sanchez had saved from Gordon. Stamped his feet in frustration just before the half-time whistle and then almost gave a penalty away in the second period as he failed to have his usual impact at the heart of the backline.
Marc Cucurella: 4
Struggled to contain the threat of Jacob Murphy down Chelsea’s left flank as the Newcastle man was allowed to put deliveries into the box. Looked to join in with Chelsea's attacks in the second-half as his team got back into the match, but lacked quality.
Reece James: 6
Struggled in midfield and reverted to right-back in the second-half after Enzo Fernandez was brought on. Illustrated his technical qualities with his wonderful free-kick and will be an asset to the side if he plays down the right flank.
Moises Caicedo: 6
Has excelled for Chelsea this season but looked lost in midfield in the first-half as he was overrun by Newcastle’s hard-working stars. Perked up after the interval as Enzo Fernandez came into the midfield. Came close to scoring a third for the Blues.
Pedro Neto: 5
Failed to get the ball down and keep possession when picked out by his team-mates in the final third. And looked exposed defensively when tracking back, with Gordon being afforded far too much space to whip the ball into the box for Woltemade’s second. Handled the ball into the net before half-time, with the effort ruled out.
Cole Palmer: 6
Found the top of the net early on as Chelsea had an early chance but was bullied out of the game by Newcastle’s physical players for much of the first-half. Was braver on the ball after the interval as he attempted to carve out chances for his team-mates.
Alejandro Garnacho: 6
Was rewarded for his two Carabao Cup goals against Cardiff in midweek following an awful performance during his side’s victory over Everton a week ago but was lucky to avoid a red card following a challenge on Jacob Ramsey. Showed sparks of energy at times and was dangerous in the second period but was guilty of missing a string of chances.
Joao Pedro: 7
Was an isolated figure up front as Chelsea struggled to get the ball to him before the break. But showed just how good he is with his goal. Is a quality player and will excel for the team if Maresca can get him more involved in games.
Substitutions
Enzo Fernandez: 6
Came on for Malo Gusto 10 minutes after the break to partner Moises Caicedo in midfield, with the Blues improving with the 2022 World Cup winner on the pitch.
Andrey Santos: 6
Introduced to the action late on as Cole Palmer made way.