Chelsea comeback draw was the only highlight of a compelling evening in the Premier League, with Chelsea remaining strong and calm during a time on the losing end to produce two Chelson goals and enter the match a 2-2 draw with Newcastle United. What appeared as an easy home win at the half time, turned out to be another disappointing night to Eddie Howe team, who again could not defend a winning situation.

Newcastle also started strongly and violently, feeding on an antagonistic environment and pushing high up the field against Chelsea. Their initial supremacy was justified when Anthony Gordon volleyed acrobatically and was brilliantly caught by Robert Sanchez who was followed by Nick Woltemade who had to react the fastest and on close range he had to send the volley back into the roof of the net. It was a self-belief goal and a reclaiming victory of the forward with the previous week derby setback.

Before the break, the hosts increased their lead twice. Once more Gordon was in the centre of the shift, making a threat with a dangerous cross on the left which Woltemade brilliantly cleared off in the bottom corner with an outstretched boot. Newcastle was in command despite being 2-0 with the two goals coming as a result of a prolonged period of pressure and aggressive passing. Chelsea on the other hand looked two-dimensional, inappropriate in midfield, and second best on the field.

Nevertheless, the adjustment of the trend of the competition changed nearly at the moment of the restart. Chelsea appeared with a new sense of urgency and faith and their captain was a role model. Reece James rose to take a free-kick 25 yards away and swung an inch-perfect ball into the top corner and cut the deficit by half, and the atmosphere in the stadium was transformed instantly. The sound became nervous and the confidence of Newcastle openly valed.

Temperaments started rising, as the game became open. Newcastle also thought they deserved a penalty after Trevoh Chalobah came across to bodycheck Gordon within the area, but referee Andy Madley dismissed the protests. The resolution caused tumultuous applause in the gallery and before a few minutes elapsed it was discovered that Newcastle had to pay.

The equaliser that rounded off the Chelsea comeback draw was finished by Joao Pedro who chose to join Chelsea on a summer-long deal ahead of Newcastle last summer. When defender Malick Thiaw provided Rodriguez with the opportunity of running through on goal after a slip, the Brazilian takes the opportunity and slides the ball behind Aaron Ramsdal. It was a calm end amidst the pressure and a bitter experience to the home side about what they had lost.

The final phases were desperate and protracted and both sides of the field could feel the chance to win. Newcastle was in the best position as the sub Barnes got on the volley late on but struck wide. Eddie Howe turned away his head in the touchline, quite consciousness of another opportunity down the sewer.

The outcome makes Chelsea 6 points ahead of Newcastle in 4th place, which enhances their advantage to qualify in the champions league. In the case of Newcastle, currently at number 11, it was another dent in an issue that was coming up time and again. None of the sides have lost as many points winning positions in the premier league season than they lost against each other in the match and this was a worrying trend.

To the Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, the draw against Chelsea come back might prove to be worthwhile. His side displayed character and leadership during the time that it was needed most, after a rough week of speculation and off-field noise. It is a difficult feat to not lose away when two or more goals behind at the half-time and this performance was a recollection of how tougher Chelsea was becoming.

The questions are getting harder to avoid in the case of Newcastle. The threat of attack does exist though inability to control games after the break still negates progress. So unless that problem is solved, the good first half performances will continue to be frustrating.

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