Looking to build momentum after back-to-back wins, Enzo Maresca's Chelsea travelled to St James' Park to face Newcastle United but returned to the capital with a share of the spoils following a 2-2 draw in the northeast. Fans of the Stamford Bridge faithful, however, have called out one player in particular for their display.
Straight out of the blocks, it took the home side just four minutes to dust off the cobwebs from their derby defeat to go ahead courtesy of Eddie Howe's Alexander Isak replacement, Nick Woltemade, who then doubled his tally 16 minutes later to make it 2-0.
Following a torrid first 45, the Blues were a much stronger outfit after the half-time interval and Chelsea captain Reece James' out-of-this-world free-kick gave them something to build on. A Malick Thiaw slip then allowed Joao Pedro to bare down on goal and finish beyond Aaron Ramsdale for the equaliser in the 66th minute.
Chelsea Star Endures Nightmare Performance In 2-2 Draw with Newcastle
enzo maresca-2
Eddie Howe's Magpies, last time out in the league, suffered a chastening 1-0 defeat to rivals Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, but their midweek win over Fulham in the League Cup offered some solace ahead of a difficult visit from the Blues. What followed was an action-packed 2-2 draw with Newcastle on away soil.
Defensively, both teams looked suspect – and central to Chelsea's frailties are the back was the poor display of Wesley Fofana, who was outshone by his central defensive partner in Trevoh Chalobah.
Marseille-born Fofana, signed from Leicester City in the summer of 2022 for a hefty fee, has played just 46 times for the Blues since his arrival – but he is the current beneficiary of Levi Colwill out nursing an ACL injury. Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo, in the absence of Colwill, have often been trusted as Maresca's centre-half partnership, but Fofana was wrongfully trusted to start against the Magpies.
For Newcastle's first of the affair, it was the Frenchman who was marauding forward with intent before being dispossessed by a much hungrier Anthony Gordon. Lazy in his efforts to return to the heart of defence, Newcastle made their way forward.
chelsea wesley fofana
Woltemade was left unmarked in the box following Robert Sanchez's miraculous save and Fofana was stood, unsure whether to get involved or not. He also defended poorly for the home side's second goal as he failed to track the run of the rangy German striker.
He's rarely been a source of confidence at the back for the Blues in a career which has been hampered by injury and the current rut of form could prevent Chelsea from earning themselves a spot in the top four come May. If they are thinking they are in a title race, the Saint-Ettiene academy alumnus could be a risky choice in the heart of defence.
Wesley Fofana Statistics – Newcastle 2-2 Chelsea
Minutes Played
Touches
Accurate Passes
Defensive Contributions
Passes into Final Third
Ground Duels Won
Aerial Duels Won
Overall Rating
The once-capped France international, 24, has just eight Premier League starts to his name in 2025/26, having only made a total of 14 appearances last term and January (or the summer) could spell the end of his Chelsea career. Jeremy Jacquet, according to reports, has been eyed as his potential replacement, but they will face competition from Liverpool.
Chelsea Fans Tear into Wesley Fofana's 'Hall of Shame' Display vs Newcastle
wesley fofana
Manchester City-linked Josh Acheampong, a youngster who has looked capable of contending with some of the Premier League's toughest centre-forwards, could be called upon to replace Fofana. James could also serve as an unorthodox centre-back if push comes to shove – but irrespective of his replacement, Chelsea fans are hoping to not see him play again for a while.
"How does anyone rate Wesley Fofana? Easily one of our worst-ever signings," one fan said as another added: "This Wesley Fofana performance is also Hall of Shame, genuinely pathetic."
"Wesley Fofana, just when it looked like he was turning a corner, has had a shocker. He nearly loses possession, then delays and lets Gordon come back to it anyway. No movement ahead of him? Fine. Where’s the awareness? It’s a mindset. It’s coaching. It’s so poor."
chelsea premier league Related
Chelsea Star Labelled 'Premier League's Worst Driver' as He Narrowly Avoids Prison
He must serve 300 hours of unpaid community service after his NINTH offence.
"That was a brilliant save by Sanchez as well just before it," a third member of the Stamford Bridge faithful added when referencing Fofana's decision-making for Newcastle's first. "Fofana gave the ball away then was ball watching for the rebound, that’s disgraceful." A final fan concluded: "I've been saying... get Wesley Fofana out of this team."
All statistics per FotMob – correct as of 20/12/2025