Newcastle United injury latest ahead of Chelsea clash
Newcastle United have surrendered more points from winning positions than any other Premier League this season.
Another frustrating afternoon saw the Magpies blow a two-goal lead at St James' Park. Newcastle have now surrendered 13 points from winning positions - more than any club in the Premier League.
For context, Eddie Howe’s side have also failed to earn a point from a losing position - a damning indictment of their mentality problem. Chelsea were the latest top-flight club to snatch a result against Newcastle despite being dominated in the first half.
Joao Pedro gave Robert Sanchez order
Pedro - a former Newcastle transfer target - let slip that Robert Sanchez’s long ball was predetermined. The goalie punted the ball forward, with an uncharacteristic Malick Thiaw error allowing the Brazilian to slot home.
"Since the Atalanta game, the gaffer has told me to be ready for these kinds of passes because, if I win the ball, I can be in a great position,” Pedro said at full-time. “That’s what happened today. I told Robert (Sanchez) to send long balls towards me because I was in a one-versus-one situation.
“I knew if I could control the ball, I would be in front of the goal. I was able to do that, and then one-on-one with the goalkeeper, I scored."
Honest Chelsea assessment
The £55million forward admitted Chelsea started slowly, with Newcastle well on top at the break. Ultimately, the spoils were shared and it became another missed opportunity for the Magpies.
“We could have started better in the first half but, in the second half, we showed our character and we tried to get the three points,” Pedro added. “We had a lot of chances but, in the end, it didn’t quite happen. We didn’t lose the game, but we need to learn, improve and be ready for the next few games.
“I think in the first half we started a little bit slowly, and in this type of game you need to win more second balls and in the second half that’s what we did. It helped us to create more when you start to win these balls. We started quicker and with more power, and that’s why we scored.”
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