Chelsea can feel proud that they walked away from St. James’ Park with a point after their nightmare start to the final Premier League game before Christmas.
The Blues were 2-0 down in the first half, facing a Newcastle side who were putting in easily their best performance of the season.
Whatever Enzo Maresca said at half-time seemed to make a big difference, as the Blues came out far stronger and fought back to 2-2.
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Reece James‘ stunning free-kick and Joao Pedro’s composed finish saw Chelsea keep their recent return to unbeaten ways in check, and keeping them in the top four at Christmas.
Reece James scores for Chelsea
Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images
John Terry praises Reece James after Chelsea’s draw with Newcastle
The club captain has been one of the best players for them this season, something which has been welcome following his years of injury woes.
As well as his goal, James’ defensive capabilities were tested to the limits when he was forced to make a sensational challenge to stop Harvey Barnes from winning the game.
Both of these moments were picked out by club legend John Terry, who took to TikTok to send praise James’ way following the game.
He said: “What a performance from Reece James as well. Scored the goal, what a tackle he made, I think in the 87th minute, recovering and getting back, saving a goal, absolutely superb from Reece as well.”
John Terry introduced to Chelsea fans ahead of pre-season game
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Reece James is back
It has now been over a year since James suffered a significant injury, and while his minutes have been managed he is now a regular fixture again in the squad.
The captain steps up 💪
When's the last time you saw a free-kick that pretty?
Reece James celebrates Chelsea goal
Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images
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Maresca has confirmed James can play multiple games in a row again, which has been crucial as the festive fixtures stack up.
The boss will no doubt be looking to repeat this trick with the likes of Cole Palmer, Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia as they manage their own fitness woes.
Chelsea fans are starting to give up hope with the latter, but Maresca has shown he can bring players back from not being able to contribute, to now being amongst the best in the Premier League.
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