Chelsea spared Enzo Maresca a fresh round of uncomfortable questions by producing a stirring second-half comeback to salvage a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Saturday.
After a turbulent week dominated by speculation over his future and reported interest from Manchester City, Maresca cut a relieved figure as his side recovered from two goals down to secure a point that keeps them fourth in the Premier League, albeit with momentum stalling after just one win in their past five league outings.
Chelsea looked set for a damaging defeat after being outplayed in the opening 45 minutes, with Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade striking twice to punish a fragile and disjointed performance from the visitors.
Woltemade, eager to atone for an own goal in last weekend’s derby defeat at Sunderland, needed only four minutes to make his mark. Jacob Murphy’s cross found Anthony Gordon at the far post and, when Robert Sanchez could only parry Gordon’s effort, Woltemade reacted quickest to tap into an unguarded net from close range.
On his double after scoring an own goal against Sunderland last week, Woltemade told TNT Sports: "Last week was not a good week or good game for me. When I came into the [Carabao Cup] game on Wednesday, the crowd sang my name which was so lovely.
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