Chelsea Rally From 2 Down to Hold Newcastle, Relieving Pressure on Maresca

Chelsea produced a spirited second-half fightback to secure a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Saturday, easing growing pressure on manager Enzo Maresca after a difficult week for the club.

The Blues were heading for another damaging defeat when Newcastle forward Nick Woltemade struck twice in the first half, punishing Chelsea’s sloppy defending and putting the hosts firmly in control before the break.

Woltemade opened the scoring just four minutes into the contest, reacting quickest after Anthony Gordon’s effort was pushed into his path by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. The German doubled Newcastle’s advantage in the 20th minute, poking home from close range after Gordon was again given too much space to deliver a precise cross.

Chelsea looked disjointed and vulnerable, and Woltemade could have completed a hat-trick before half-time when he volleyed wide from a promising position.

Maresca’s side, however, emerged transformed after the interval. Reece James sparked the comeback in the 49th minute with a superb free-kick that beat Aaron Ramsdale, injecting belief into the visitors.

Newcastle were later denied a penalty after a challenge on Gordon, a decision that frustrated Eddie Howe’s side, who have been hit hard by defensive injuries in recent weeks.

Maresca admits regret over benching Acheampong as Chelsea rue Tosin error

Chelsea continued to press and were rewarded in the 66th minute when Joao Pedro produced a moment of individual brilliance. The Brazilian cleverly headed a long clearance past his marker before racing into the box and finishing calmly to draw Chelsea level.

The equalizer prompted visible relief on the Chelsea bench, with Maresca celebrating animatedly on the touchline.

Despite extending their winless run to four games, Chelsea remain fourth in the Premier League, with the draw providing a much-needed boost after a turbulent period marked by speculation over Maresca’s future and criticism of the club’s rotation policy.

For Newcastle, the result was a missed opportunity after a dominant first-half display, as Chelsea’s resilience ultimately denied them all three points.