Newcastle United fans are capable of blowing teams away, according to Chelsea captain Reece James.
In the first half of Newcastle United’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday, that’s exactly what they appeared to be doing.
Eddie Howe’s side started in brilliant fashion and scored two early goals through Nick Woltemade after brilliant work from Anthony Gordon.
Newcastle were brilliant in the opening exchanges, roared on by a loud home support at St James’ Park.
At the break, it looked as if Howe’s side were in complete control. Still, the Blues fought their way back into it with goals from James and Joao Pedro to take a point.
Who was Newcastle United’s MOTM against Chelsea?!
Strange to say there are a few choices given the result!
Anthony Gordon talks to Nick Woltemade during Newcastle United vs Chelsea in the Premier League.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
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As ever, it’s hard to judge this Newcastle team. They were strong in parts but left themselves exposed too.
Either way, James is just happy his team did not wilt in the face of adversity.
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Reece James says Newcastle United fans can blow opposition teams away
Speaking to Premier League Productions, James was talking up Chelsea’s mental strength after they came from behind to draw.
That isn’t all that surprising, although his comments were interesting.
James, who has played in some of the biggest games in club football, believes the crowd at St James’ is one that can intimidate a lot of teams.
“It is a tough place to come, many teams come here and the atmosphere gets the better of them,” he said.
“The momentum changes, one goal changes things, so we knew that getting one could mean getting another and seeing where it would take them.”
Confirmed: Why Newcastle United were denied a penalty against Chelsea 👇
Where does think rank on the worst decisions given against us this season?!
#NEWCHE – 55’
The referee’s call of no penalty to Newcastle was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact from Chalobah on Gordon deemed to be side-to-side in a shielding action and the ball within playing distance.
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) December 20, 2025
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Newcastle United players continue to let their fans down
The most frustrating part of the game is that it’s almost impossible to imagine Newcastle doing what Chelsea did.
This is a team who do tend to wilt when something goes against them. The thought of coming from behind to win a game is currently alien to a Newcastle fan.
Joao Pedro scores Chelsea's second goal against Newcastle United in the Premier League.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
While Chelsea do deserve credit for coming back into it and Newcastle might feel aggrieved not to have had a penalty, it’s still a hugely disappointing afternoon for Toon fans.
The conditions were there to see the result out. A big game at home and one when they were dominating, it’s hard to imagine the collapse happening in previous seasons.
The Newcastle players have vowed to make up for their recent poor form to supporters but, while they weren’t terrible, it would be fair to say they are still to do that.
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