Enzo Maresca and Eddie Howe have both made some interesting comments following Saturday’s 2-2 draw between Newcastle United and Chelsea.
Newcastle were unquestionably the better side in the first half, racing into a 2-0 lead against Chelsea.
However, Maresca’s side fought back after the restart and managed to make the score 2-2 after goals from Reece James and Joao Pedro.
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Howe thought Chelsea got away with one in the second half after the VAR failed to recommend a penalty following an incident involving Trevoh Chalobah and Anthony Gordon. Understandably, after the full-time whistle, the Newcastle boss had a lot to complain about.
Enzo Maresca coaching Chelsea vs Newcastle
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Enzo Maresca suggests Chelsea deserved a point
Maresca probably feels that a draw was the fair result after his side’s improvement in the second half.
In his post-match press conference, which has been shared by The Shields Gazette, Maresca 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.”
Howe, though, was adamant that Newcastle deserved to win the Premier League match.
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He said: “Tinged with huge disappointment for us because I think we’re really disappointed for the players. We deserve to win that game, in my opinion anyway.”
Chelsea won more second balls in the second half, which helped them to come back against Howe’s team, according to Pedro.
Eddie Howe manages Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea
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Stats show Newcastle should have won
For as good as Chelsea were after the restart, they still could have easily lost the game. All in all, Newcastle probably did deserve to win, as Howe has claimed, and the numbers back him up.
For example, according to Sofascore, the Magpies registered an xG of 2.31, while Chelsea’s was only 1.22.
They also created seven big chances to Chelsea’s one. Had Woltemade, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga been more clinical, the scoreline could have been really ugly for Maresca’s side. The trio all missed great opportunities during the game.
All in all, the Club World Cup winners did not defend well. However, their overall defensive record this season has been good, so they deserve some leeway.
Chelsea’s backline will be tested again when they go up against an in-form Aston Villa side next Saturday.
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