Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United, reacts during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James' Park on December 20, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)placeholder image
Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United, reacts during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James' Park on December 20, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Newcastle United surrendered a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 against Chelsea at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe and Enzo Maresca disagreed on the outcome of Newcastle United’s 2-2 draw against Chelsea.
Nick Woltemade’s brace put the Magpies 2-0 up at the break before second-half goals from Reece James and Joao Pedro saw the visitors rescue a point.
Woltemade opened the scoring after just four minutes when he followed up Anthony Gordon’s effort that was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. The German then added his and United’s second in the 20th minute, this time directing Gordon’s in-swinging cross into the bottom right corner.
But Chelsea hit back in the second half. James’ free-kick beat Aaron Ramsdale in the 49th minute before a Malick Thiaw slip allowed Pedro to nip in and slot the ball past Ramsdale.
Not long before the equaliser, Gordon had a penalty appeal turned down after he was bodychecked by Trevoh Chalobah in the box, a decision that Howe felt the match officials and VAR got wrong.
Eddie Howe and Enzo Maresca disagree on Newcastle United 2-2 Chelsea
Reflecting on the afternoon, Howe felt his side should have come away as deserved winners.
Howe said: “I think after the first half, they deserved to win the game for sure. From my point of view, after the second half, we deserved to win the game. So this is my point of view. I think after the second goal we scored, we had three or four clear chances to score one more.
“They also had one with Barnes, that is the only one that I remember as a real chance. But overall, I think the draw is correct.”
But when that assessment was put to Maresca, the Chelsea boss said: “A tinge of a huge disappointment for us, because I think we're really disappointed for the players who deserved to win that game. In my opinion, anyway.
“The only disappointment, I think, from that first half, because I think that's the best we've played, was that we weren't further ahead. Had the chances, played with real energy, intensity and quality. Great to see us creating the big moments in that penalty box.
“Yeah, obviously a huge disappointment. We haven't won the game with the effort we've given.”
Newcastle United have dropped 13 points from winning positions in the Premier League
By not coming away with a victory, Newcastle have now dropped 13 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season. They’re also without a clean sheet in 10 matches.
Howe said: “Yeah, it's a big disappointment. I think we've found ways to concede even when we've looked defensively stable in that run of ten games. It's a disappointing return, really.
“Today, our defending in the first half was very strong. I think that followed our general performance. I think in the second half, the free kick changes the feeling and momentum of the game. It gives them renewed hope. It's a standout moment from Reece James. It's those type of things that are affecting us, even though it shouldn't really. I
“t's still a 2-1. We're still the dominant team. But then Chelsea came back into it and we're disappointed. Because even at 2-2, I think we have chances to win, which we didn't take.”
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