Maresca was delighted with one of his playersplaceholder image
Maresca was delighted with one of his players | AFP via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca has been speaking after Chelsea’s comeback win over Newcastle United.
Reece James sparked the comeback with a superb free-kick, and Joao Pedro scored an excellent individual effort to complete the comeback and secure a point.
James was the standout performer for Chelsea, also pulling off a game-saving tackle in the 76th minute, with the score at 2-2, and Maresca paid tribute to the England international after the game.
“He was (brilliant), once again, top performance,” Maresca said. “He played for one hour as a midfielder and then the last half an hour as a full-back in his position. Again, he's doing a fantastic job, not only for the goal, in general, and we are happy for him.”
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe claimed after the game that his side deserved to win the game despite clearly being the second best team for much of the second half.
“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,” Maresca pointed out. “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.”
Overall, Maresca was pleased with the point despite a disappointing first half, with the clear positive being his side’s ability to battle back and come home with a point in a difficult atmosphere at St James’ Park.
“That has been my message at the end of the game,” Maresca added when asked about the positives of the comeback. “For sure, in the first half there are things we can do better. But the way they showed in the second half, character, togetherness, they have to feel proud. Because you know better than me, you are from here, 2-0 down against Newcastle away in this stadium, this noise, this environment is not easy. Not many teams can do that and they have done.”
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