Thrilling Draw: Newcastle's Early Blitz Rescued by Chelsea's Second-Half Fireworks!

Newcastle United and Chelsea played out an exhilarating 2-2 draw in the Premier League at St James' Park on December 20, 2025, in a match that showcased attacking flair and dramatic turnarounds.

Nick Woltemade starred for the Magpies, netting a brilliant brace inside the first 20 minutes to put Newcastle 2-0 up. The opener came in the 4th minute when Sandro Tonali won possession, Bruno Guimarães fed Jacob Murphy, and after Robert Sánchez blocked Anthony Gordon's effort, Woltemade smashed home the rebound.^[1][2]

Sixteen minutes later, Lewis Hall's free-kick found Gordon, who cut inside Pedro Neto and crossed for Woltemade to toe-poke past Sánchez. The goal survived a lengthy VAR offside check, electrifying the 52,226-strong crowd.^[1][2]

Chelsea, sitting fourth with 29 points from 17 games, trailed leaders Arsenal by eight points pre-match. Newcastle, sixth with 23 points, dominated early, with Fabian Schär testing Sánchez and Woltemade nearly adding a third.^[1][3]

After the break, Chelsea mounted a fierce comeback. Reece James curled in a stunning free-kick in the 49th minute to halve the deficit, his effort described as 'perfection'.^[1][4]

João Pedro sealed the point in the 66th minute, firing home after interplay involving Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho, and others, ending Chelsea's three-game losing streak on Tyneside. Late chances fell to Moisés Caicedo, Garnacho, and Harvey Barnes, whose 85th-minute volley whistled inches wide.^[1]

Chelsea's official site hailed the 'hard-earned point' in their final away game of 2025, fueled by pace and trickery from Neto, Garnacho, and Pedro.^[5] Newcastle rued failing to hold the lead despite a commanding start.^[1]

League standings post-match: Chelsea 8W-5D-4L, 29 pts; Newcastle 6W-5D-6L, 23 pts.^[3] Highlights capture the intensity, with Woltemade's double and Chelsea's resilience defining the thriller.^[4][7]