CHELSEA struck twice in the second half to haul back Newcastle United and secure a 2-2 draw in the English Premier League clash at St James’ Park today.
Joao Pedro haunted his former suitors Newcastle as Chelsea showed their powers of recovery to come back from 2-0 down and claim a point.
It looked a long way back for Chelsea at a raucous St James’ Park after a well-taken double from Nick Woltemade put Newcastle in control at half-time.
But no side have dropped more points – 13 – from winning positions in the Premier League than Newcastle.
So the stadium suddenly felt a little nervy when Chelsea captain Reece James pulled one back with a spectacular 25-yard free-kick just a few minutes into the second half.
It then turned a little hostile when Newcastle were denied a penalty after Trevoh Chalobah bodychecked Anthony Gordon inside the box before Chelsea equalised.
Joao Pedro, who opted to move to Chelsea ahead of Newcastle last summer, drew his side level. The Brazilian raced through on goal and slotted the ball past Aaron Ramsdale after capitalising on a slip from defender Malick Thiaw.
It set up a tense finish as the game became increasingly stretched and Harvey Barnes had a glorious opportunity to win it for Newcastle late on, but the substitute fired wide on the volley to leave head coach Eddie Howe covering his face with his hands on the touchline.
Chelsea remain six points clear of Newcastle in fourth while Howe’s side are in 11th ahead of other fixtures this weekend.
With agency report