Newcastle Collapse at Home as Chelsea Steal a Point in Chaos at St James’ Park

Newcastle Fly Out of the Blocks

Newcastle United looked on course for a statement Premier League victory after a devastating opening spell against Chelsea at St James’ Park. Eddie Howe’s side raced into a 2-0 lead inside 20 minutes, powered by a dominant midfield and ruthless finishing from Nick Woltemade.

The opening goal arrived after just four minutes when Sandro Tonali won possession in midfield and Bruno Guimarães released Jacob Murphy down the right. Anthony Gordon’s initial effort was blocked by Robert Sánchez, but Woltemade reacted fastest to smash the rebound into the roof of the net.

Newcastle continued to overwhelm Chelsea, pressing high and winning second balls. Their intensity was a clear response to last weekend’s flat derby defeat to Sunderland, and Chelsea struggled to cope. The second goal came when Lewis Hall’s free kick found Gordon wide on the left, and his low cross was turned home by Woltemade after a lengthy VAR check.

Chelsea Wake Up After the Break

Despite Newcastle’s control before half-time, Chelsea showed signs of life late in the first half and carried that momentum into the second. Just four minutes after the restart, Reece James dragged the visitors back into the game with a superb free kick that curled beyond Aaron Ramsdale and in off the post.

That goal changed the rhythm completely. Chelsea’s pace and movement, led by Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho and João Pedro, began to stretch a Newcastle defence that suddenly looked vulnerable.

João Pedro Completes the Fightback

The equaliser arrived in the 66th minute after a moment of misfortune for Newcastle. Malick Thiaw slipped as he attempted to recover, allowing João Pedro to race clear and finish calmly past Ramsdale.

Chelsea pushed for a winner as Newcastle lost control, with Garnacho and Moisés Caicedo both threatening late on. However, Newcastle nearly snatched it back when Harvey Barnes volleyed narrowly wide in the closing stages.

In the end, the points were shared, but it was Chelsea who left Tyneside with momentum, while Newcastle were left wondering how another strong start ended without victory.