Newcastle United surrendered a 2-0 lead to draw with Chelsea at St James’ Park.
A Nick Woltemade brace had the Magpies cruising at half-time but the visitors fought back in the second-half following goals from Reece James and Joao Pedro.
Eddie Howe made four changes from Wednesday’s 2-1 Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Fulham.
Lewis Hall returned from a hamstring injury to replace the injured Tino Livramento at left-back while Lewis Miley continued at right-back amid the Magpies’ defensive crisis. Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade came in for Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes and Yoane Wissa.
There were just four minutes on the clock when Woltemade fired the Magpies in front. Gordon robbed Wesley Fofana of possession before advancing into the box to force a brilliant save by Roberto Sanchez. However, Woltemade was there to follow up the loose ball.
Newcastle’s £69million club-record signing then doubled his tally in the 20th minute when he directed Gordon’s in-swinging corner into the bottom right corner, which was awarded following a lengthy VAR check for offside.
Chelsea pulled one back immediately into the second half when James’ free-kick from distance beat Aaron Ramsdale.
Moments later, the Magpies felt they should have had a penalty when Trevoh Chalobah bodychecked Gordon in the box. Referee Andy Madley and so did VAR.
And that controversial call proved decisive as Chelsea went on to equalise in the 66th minute when Malick Thiaw’s slip allowed Pedro to nip and slot the ball past Ramsdale.
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