Premier League 2025/26: Newcastle squanders two-goal lead in 2-2 draw against Chelsea

Newcastle United were held to a 2-2 draw by Chelsea after Nick Woltemade’s first-half double was canceled out by Reece James’ free-kick and Joao Pedro’s equalizer in an entertaining Premier League clash on Saturday.

Woltemade made up for his own goal in a derby defeat to Sunderland last week, scoring the opener after less than four minutes when he grabbed a rebound before doubling the home side’s lead after Anthony Gordon’s cross in the 20th.

AS IT HAPPENED: NEW VS CHE HIGHLIGHTS

However, Chelsea captain James halved the deficit four minutes into the second half with a curling free-kick before the visitors equalized in the 66th after a long ball, with Joao Pedro escaping his marker to make it 2–2.

Newcastle substitute Harvey Barnes missed two chances to seal victory for the hosts, but when the final whistle blew the two teams had to settle for a share of the spoils. Chelsea remain fourth with 29 points, while Newcastle are eleventh with 23.

Published on December 20, 2025