Newcastle bottle two-goal lead in Chelsea draw as Reece James leads stunning comeback with freekick finish

Ed Griffiths

By Ed Griffiths


Published: 20/12/2025

- 15:04

Updated: 20/12/2025

- 15:18

GB News sports reporter Ed Griffiths has taken a look at the game

Chelsea came back from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 against Newcastle at St James' Park.

Nick Woltemade redeemed himself after netting an own goal in the Wear-Tyne derby last weekend, scoring a first-half brace to establish a healthy lead.


But with two brilliant goals, Chelsea pulled themself back into the tie, securing a much-needed point as it looks to remain in the Premier League title race.

Reece James’ free-kick and Joao Pedro's goal earned Enzo Maresca’s side a point.

The much-anticipated fixture was a great advert for the division, with play swinging from end to end and maddening moments going hand in hand with flashes of brilliance.

Alejandro Garnacho might consider himself lucky with a first-half challenge that could have seen the Argentine see red.

Newcastle might also feel hard done by as cries for a penalty echoed around St James Park when Anthony Gordon was taken down in the area by a forceful challenge from Trevoh Chalobah.

Home fans booed the officials on the whistle after a number of decisions appeared to go against the Magpies.

GB News has taken a look at all the game's goals...

Chelsea vs Newcastle United

Chelsea came back from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 against Newcastle at St James' Park

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4' Nick Woltemade

Woltemade took the lead early with a six-yard tap-in after Robert Sanchez made a remarkable first save.

After a weekend to forget when he scored an own goal in the Wear-Tyne derby, the German had St James’ Park on their feet.

Anthony Gordon capitalised on a risky Wesley Fofana’s dribble into midfield which led to a dangerous low cross behind the defence.

Murphy's ball fell to Gordon at the back post but Sanzhez denied the Englishman from close range.

It was right time, right place, for Woltemade, who tapped it into the open net.

Chelsea vs Newcastle United

Nick Woltemade took the lead early with a tap-in from close range

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20' Nick Woltemade

It's a second for the German, who looked dangerous all game.

With an outstretched leg from a delightful set piece delivery into the danger zone, Woltemade's slightest of touches directed the ball in off the far right post.

A lengthy VAR check had St James Park anxiously waiting, but after what felt like an age, it stood.

Officials were checking to see if the striker was offside from Gordon's free kick.

Semi-automated technology was down at that moment, leading to the long wait.

Chelsea vs Newcastle United

Woltemade scored a first half brace

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49' Reece James

After heading into half-time two goals down away from home, it was club captain Reece James who delivered for the Blues.

A fantastic free-kick from range beat Ramsdale off the inside of his far post.

The momentum shift was apparent, but both teams were going for the three points.

Cole Palmer was also standing over the set piece, but opted to allow his teammate to strike a screamer.

Chelsea vs Newcastle United

Reece James who delivered for the Blues with a fantastic free-kick

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66' Joao Pedro

From 2-0 down, the west London side equalised the scores through Pedro.

Sanchez played a quick, long ball downfield from inside his own box to launch the counterattack and pick out Pedro inside the Newcastle half.

Pedro spins away from Thiaw and goes one-on-one with Ramsdale.

The Brazilian slides it past the Newcastle keeper to bring the scores level.

The remaining half an hour was electric with both teams looking for a winner.

But after some great end-to-end football and some shouts for late penalties, the sides split the points.