Chelsea spared Enzo Maresca further uncomfortable scrutiny with a spirited fightback to earn a 2-2 draw at Newcastle on Saturday.
The Blues were heading for a damaging defeat at St James’ Park after Nick Woltemade struck twice in a dominant first-half display by the hosts. But Chelsea responded after the break, with a sublime Reece James free-kick and a fine solo goal from Joao Pedro rescuing a point.
The result leaves Chelsea fourth in the Premier League despite a frustrating run of just one win from their last five matches. Nevertheless, the resilience shown in recovering from two goals down proved vital for Maresca following a turbulent week that reignited debate over his long-term future.
The Italian moved to dismiss speculation linking him with a future move to Manchester City, insisting reports he could succeed Pep Guardiola were “100 percent speculation”. City have reportedly identified Maresca as a potential candidate should Guardiola step aside at the end of the season, with the rumours intensifying after Maresca appeared to criticise a lack of support from Chelsea’s hierarchy.
Under contract until 2029, Maresca said after last weekend’s win over Everton that the previous 48 hours had been his most difficult at the club, claiming he and his players had not felt sufficiently backed during a poor run of results. His rotation policy has also drawn criticism this season, with frequent changes sometimes leaving the side disjointed.
After making 11 changes for Tuesday’s League Cup quarter-final win at Cardiff, Maresca restored his senior players, but they endured a miserable opening on a foggy Tyneside.
Woltemade, seeking redemption after scoring an own goal in last weekend’s defeat at Sunderland, made his mark within four minutes. Jacob Murphy’s cross found Anthony Gordon at the far post, and when Robert Sanchez parried Gordon’s effort, Woltemade reacted quickest to tap into the empty net.
Chelsea’s defensive frailties were exposed again in the 20th minute. Given too much space, Gordon delivered a precise cross that Woltemade converted from close range, with VAR confirming the striker had stayed just onside.
Newcastle should have extended their lead before halftime as Gordon and Woltemade combined again, only for the German to volley wastefully wide.
Maresca’s halftime intervention proved decisive. James pulled Chelsea back into the contest in the 49th minute with a magnificent free-kick that flew past Aaron Ramsdale, before Newcastle were controversially denied a penalty after Trevoh Chalobah’s challenge on Gordon.
Injuries to key defenders including Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Sven Botman and Tino Livramento have left Newcastle stretched at the back, and Chelsea began to exploit the weakness. Pedro Neto forced a fine save from Ramsdale before the equaliser arrived in the 66th minute.
Joao Pedro cleverly headed Sanchez’s long clearance beyond Malick Thiaw, surged into the area and finished coolly to complete the comeback.
Maresca’s relief was unmistakable as he celebrated enthusiastically on the touchline.
AFP
