Newcastle United were left seething with frustration after a controversial 2-2 draw with Chelsea at St James' Park on Saturday, a match where the Magpies saw a two-goal lead evaporate amid a series of contentious refereeing decisions.
Woltemade's Quickfire Brace Erases Derby Blues
German striker Nick Woltemade was the immediate hero for the home side, swiftly consigning his own-goal nightmare against Sunderland to history. It took him just four minutes to open the scoring, reacting quickest to tap home after Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez had saved from Anthony Gordon.
Woltemade doubled his and Newcastle's tally midway through the first half. After a deep free-kick, the lively Gordon delivered a superb cross which the striker guided home with a deft touch. A VAR check for a potential offside ensued, but the goal was given, sending the Geordie faithful into raptures.
Chelsea's Stirring Second-Half Fightback
Chelsea's first-half performance was dismal, and they were fortunate not to be further behind after a Joao Pedro goal was correctly ruled out for handball by VAR. However, the Blues emerged transformed after the break.
Chelsea captain Reece James ignited the comeback moments into the second period, firing a magnificent free-kick in off the post. The goal provided a crucial platform, and the pressure told when Brazilian forward Joao Pedro levelled the scores, showing strength to hold off Malick Thiaw before finishing coolly past Aaron Ramsdale.
Post-Match Fury Over Key Decisions
The major talking points, however, revolved around two penalty incidents that left Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and his players incensed. Immediately after James's goal, Gordon went down under a challenge from Trevoh Chalobah, but no penalty was awarded.
The fury reached its peak deep into stoppage time when substitute Harvey Barnes was felled when through on goal. Again, the on-field decision of no foul was upheld by the VAR, leaving St James' Park in a state of disbelief. The result means Newcastle have now dropped 13 points from winning positions this season, a stat that will deeply concern Howe.
The draw leaves Chelsea sitting fourth in the Premier League table, while Newcastle remain in 11th place, ruing another victory that slipped through their fingers.
