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ENZO MARESCA redirected his frustration from the owners towards his players as a fiery half-time talk helped Chelsea secure a point.
The Blues manager has not concealed his discontent with the Chelsea hierarchy, coinciding with speculation that he might be in line to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
Reece James excelled at both ends as Chelsea earned a point on the roadCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
The full-back was exceptional in the thrilling match in the northeastCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
For the first 45 minutes, it seemed as though the Chelsea players were letting their manager down, responding to his complaints by faltering on Tyneside.
Newcastle and Nick Woltemade tore through the beleaguered Blues during a first half that saw Maresca's anger grow.
However, the frustrated Italian demonstrated his ability to extract a performance from his often inconsistent squad, as two brilliant second-half goals from Reece James and Joao Pedro brought them back level.
Maresca is unlikely to relent, even making another subtle jab at the inexperience within his squad prior to the match, suggesting that the “club policy” of acquiring young talent might pose a problem.
While tensions may be rising between the manager and the board, it appears the squad is still resolutely supporting their manager—who received a booking alongside six of his players.
Maresca’s tumultuous week has left many at Chelsea bewildered, and the Blues players began as if they too had been thrown off by their manager’s demeanor.
Newcastle, eager to prove themselves after a lackluster performance the previous week, burst out of the gates and unsettled their visitors.
It was suggested to Maresca this week that an early kick-off at St. James’ Park would be easier, but that notion was dismissed just four minutes in, as his defenders lay scattered on the ground while Woltemade celebrated.
Chelsea had no one to blame but themselves for a careless start—Wesley Fofana initiated a disastrous afternoon by gifting possession to the Toon in his own half.
Sandro Tonali quickly set them off, spreading the ball to the right. Jacob Murphy’s cross found Anthony Gordon, whose effort left Malo Gusto crumpled on the floor and forced a good save from Robert Sanchez.
Trevoh Chalobah fell as he attempted to clear, leaving Woltemade free to score.
Chelsea were rattled and lost their composure. Sanchez was cautioned for angrily confronting referee Andy Madley after tipping over from Gordon's shot, furious that play had continued while Gusto was again down.
Chelsea struggled to contain the black and white shirts buzzing around them. Howe’s men charged at the Blues with the ball and relentlessly pressured them without it.
Maresca's frustrations peaked as he watched Woltemade’s inspired second goal—a well-taken finish that was a product of more Chelsea disarray.
Fofana was again culpable, conceding a foul inside the Chelsea half. Lewis Hall, a product of the Blues academy, tried to sneak the free-kick deeper into the opposing territory.
Chelsea were alert to that and had Hall pushed back—but then lost focus as he sent Gordon sprinting down the left.
The England international maneuvered inside Pedro Neto and delivered a low cross, which Woltemade guided into the far corner with his toe, having evaded Fofana's attention.
Toon fans had to wait a long time for the goal to be confirmed as offside, with the Premier League’s semi-automated technology experiencing a malfunction.
Woltemade had two opportunities to complete his hat-trick just before half-time, sending one effort just wide before being played in only to be shoved off the ball by a furious Moises Caicedo.
Chelsea had shown some resilience before the break, with James attempting to rally the team—but all they had to show for it was a disallowed goal from Neto for handball.
They had deserved nothing for their first-half embarrassment, however.
Maresca has been cryptic with his pointed remarks towards the Chelsea hierarchy this week—but it seems he left his players with no doubts about his anger at the break.
The Blues emerged as a transformed side, and it was fitting that, having sought to reinvigorate them before the break, James was the one to ignite their resurgence.
After Jacob Ramsey fouled Cole Palmer 25 yards from goal, the Chelsea captain struck a spectacular free-kick over the Toon wall, hitting the left post before beating Aaron Ramsdale.
Chelsea suddenly displayed newfound vigor. James threatened again when his low shot was blocked by Fabian Schar, before Ramsdale saved a fierce strike from Neto.
Newcastle still posed a threat and sought a penalty for a shoulder challenge by Chalobah on Gordon, but it would have been a harsh decision.
Newcastle could not contain Chelsea, and the Blues had the confidence to counterattack with deadly effect.
After gathering a weak cross, Sanchez immediately picked out Pedro—the only blue shirt in the Newcastle half.
Pedro skillfully controlled the powerful ball with his head, barged past Malick Thiaw, and finished low under Ramsdale.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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