Newcastle United 2-2 Chelsea: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Ladbrokes’ post-match review of Newcastle United 2-2 Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday, 20 December 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Newcastle United and Chelsea played out a 2-2 draw at St James’ Park. The hosts took an early lead when Nick Woltemade scored in the fourth minute, and he doubled their advantage in the 20th minute with an assist from Anthony Gordon, putting Newcastle in control during the first half. Chelsea, coming off a mixed run including a win over Everton and a draw with Bournemouth, struggled initially but showed resilience after the break.

Reece James pulled one back for Chelsea in the 49th minute, shifting momentum, and João Pedro equalised in the 66th with an assist from Robert Sánchez, making it all square. Newcastle, who had drawn their previous home game against Tottenham and lost away to Sunderland, pushed for a winner but couldn’t break through despite late substitutions. Both sides shared the points in a competitive encounter that reflected their up-and-down recent forms.

Chelsea edged possession with 53% compared to Newcastle’s 47%, suggesting they controlled more of the ball, but Newcastle made better use of their opportunities with six corners to Chelsea’s four and far more successful dribbles at 75 against 45, indicating they were more effective in beating defenders. The hosts also recorded one assist, matching Chelsea’s tally, which highlights the quality of their build-up for the second goal.

Discipline was an issue, especially for Chelsea who picked up six yellow cards to Newcastle’s three, pointing to a scrappier approach from the visitors, while Newcastle used four substitutions – including Harvey Barnes for Anthony Gordon at 72 minutes, Yoane Wissa for Nick Woltemade and Anthony Elanga for Jacob Murphy both at 73 minutes, and Joe Willock for Jacob Ramsey at 89 minutes – compared to Chelsea’s two, with Enzo Fernández replacing Malo Gusto at 54 minutes and Andrey Santos coming on for Cole Palmer at 79 minutes, showing Newcastle’s bench had more impact late on.

Newcastle struck first with Nick Woltemade’s goal in the fourth minute, and he added a second in the 20th assisted by Anthony Gordon, giving the hosts a strong platform. Chelsea fought back after half-time, with Reece James scoring in the 49th to reduce the deficit, before João Pedro’s equaliser in the 66th, assisted by Robert Sánchez, turned the game into a tense affair.

Key turning points included several yellow cards, such as Fabian Schär’s booking for Newcastle in the 61st, and for Chelsea, cards to Robert Sánchez in the seventh, Alejandro Garnacho in the 27th, Malo Gusto in the 45th, Enzo Maresca in the 59th, Moisés Caicedo in the 70th, Andrey Santos in the 82nd, and João Pedro in the 83rd, which disrupted their rhythm. Substitutions like Enzo Fernández replacing Malo Gusto at 54 minutes for Chelsea and Newcastle’s changes, including Harvey Barnes for Anthony Gordon at 72 minutes, aimed to inject fresh energy, but neither side could find a winner.

Newcastle United lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Nick Woltemade leading the line effectively by scoring twice early on, supported by Anthony Gordon’s assist and Jacob Murphy’s involvement before their substitutions. Fabian Schär anchored the defence but picked up a yellow card, while Lewis Hall and Yoane Wissa, the latter coming on as a substitute, added to the backline’s discipline issues late in the game. Partnerships like Woltemade and Gordon upfront proved decisive in building their lead.

Chelsea deployed a 4-2-3-1 setup, with Reece James providing a threat from the back by scoring their first goal, and João Pedro stepping up to equalise after an assist from goalkeeper Robert Sánchez. Malo Gusto started but was replaced by Enzo Fernández after picking up a yellow card, while Cole Palmer made way for Andrey Santos late on, both of whom also collected bookings. The midfield saw Moisés Caicedo cautioned, highlighting a combative but card-heavy approach.

Robert Sánchez earned Ladbrokes’ Man of the Match award for his solid performance in Chelsea’s goal, making three crucial saves and two clearances, along with one punch, despite conceding two goals. His assist for João Pedro’s equaliser showed his distribution skills, helping Chelsea claw back into the game after a tough first half.

Recent Premier League matches:

• Draw: 2-2 vs Chelsea (H)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Sunderland (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Burnley (H)
• Draw: 2-2 vs Tottenham Hotspur (H)
• Win: 4-1 vs Everton (A)

Recent Premier League matches:

• Draw: 2-2 vs Newcastle United (A)
• Win: 2-0 vs Everton (H)
• Draw: 0-0 vs AFC Bournemouth (A)
• Loss: 1-3 vs Leeds United (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Arsenal (H)

Newcastle United have just drawn 2-2 at home to Chelsea, leaving them in 11th place on 23 points after a run that includes a loss to Sunderland and draws with Tottenham and now Chelsea, mixed with wins over Burnley and Everton. They face Manchester United next on 26 December 2025 at 20:00, with the opposition currently seventh on 26 points, offering a chance to close the gap on the top half and build momentum in their push for a stronger mid-table position.

Chelsea have just drawn 2-2 away to Newcastle United, keeping them in fourth place on 29 points following a form guide that features a win over Everton, draws with Bournemouth and Arsenal, and a loss to Leeds. Their next fixture is against Aston Villa on 27 December 2025 at 17:30, with the opponents sitting third on 33 points, making it a key test in their bid to stay in the Champions League spots and potentially climb higher.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.