Chelsea came back from two goals down to rescue a valuable point away to Newcastle.
Eddie Howe’s men were in dreamland after just 20 minutes thanks to a Nick Woltemade double.
But Enzo Maresca, who has dominated the headlines in recent weeks, seemed to get a reaction from his players after half time, with Reece James scoring just four minutes into the second 45.
The momentum shifted for the Blues and suddenly they were on top, getting their rewards when Joao Pedro levelled the scoring on 66 minutes and sending Maresca wild on the touchline.
Daily Mail Sport’s KIERAN GILL was there to run the rule over the biggest talking points of the day.
Newcastle United were in dreamland early on thanks to a Nick Woltemade double
But Chelsea came back in the second through Reece James and later Joao Pedro, who netted the equaliser
Enzo Maresca was particularly animated on the touchline after his side’s second
PREMIER LEAGUE ASSISTS TALLY: ONE FOR SANCHEZ, NONE FOR WIRTZ
Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo sprinted to celebrate with Robert Sanchez after his long ball led to Chelsea’s equaliser from Joao Pedro, and rightly so.
It involved dire defending from Newcastle, but Sanchez was outstanding here, making several crucial saves before he provided that assist for Chelsea’s striker.
So, that’s one assist for Sanchez in the Premier League this season, and none for Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz, Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta, Tottenham’s Brennan Johnson, Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee et cetera.
KEEP IT DOWN, GARNA!
Alejandro Garnacho must have a blazing-over-the-bar bonus in his contract, given how often he sends shots into the stands when he finds space to shoot towards the near post.
When he skied his latest attempt after 85 minutes here, Enzo Maresca turned and yelled to the heavens. It is frustrating, given the positions he gets himself into. There is work to do there.
Blues goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has one more assist than Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz this term
Alejandro Garnacho was wayward in front of goal once again at St James’ Park
FOFANA SHOWS SOME FLAWS
Here’s an idea. When there is a 6ft 6in giant in your box, and he scored against you not 20 minutes ago, it is worth marking him. But Chelsea did not do that here.
Wesley Fofana was the closest to Nick Woltemade. It was the Frenchman who had lost the ball in the build-up to Newcastle’s opener, and then he allowed Woltemade to run off him for 2-0.
Chelsea were second best all over the pitch before the break. It was a contender for their worst showing of the season, up there with their shocking first halves versus Lincoln and Leeds, and it was hard not to link Maresca’s words over the week to this performance.
Even before kick-off, the Blues boss was quoted as saying: ‘When you have a 20, 21 (years old) and a player 30, 31 (years old), and he starts to say something (to them), it’s invaluable. But it’s the strategy of the club.’ It felt like a criticism of Chelsea’s youthful approach, and so an escalation in his issues with those above him.
But the second half was a stunning turnaround in mentality from Chelsea’s players. Reece James led the way, showing leadership as well as his talents with his fantastic free-kick.
Wesley Fofana endured a day to forget in the north-east and allowed Woltemade to run off him to make it 2-0 Newcastle
The German now has seven Premier League goals since making the switch from Stuttgart in the summer
FINE INCOMING FOR CHELSEA
For receiving six-plus cards here, Chelsea will be fined by the Football Association, and it is understood that will come in at £50,000. That is because it is the second time they have surpassed that threshold this season, following on from the collection of cards they received versus Manchester United which earned them a £25,000 fine.
Last season, Chelsea were fined £25,000, then £50,000, then £75,000 for picking up six or more cards in three separate matches in the Premier League.
