Chelsea’s fightback in Newcastle draw eases pressure on Maresca

Chelsea saved Enzo Maresca from more awkward questions as they fought back from two goals down to rescue a 2-2 draw against Newcastle on Saturday.

Maresca’s side were in danger of a damaging defeat after Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade struck twice in the first half at St James’ Park.

But Chelsea hit back after the interval thanks to Reece James’s superb free-kick and Joao Pedro’s eye-catching solo effort.

Chelsea remain fourth in the Premier League after a disappointing run of just one win in their last five top-flight matches.

But the Blues’ gritty fightback was essential for Maresca after a turbulent week that raised questions about the Italian’s long-term future with the club.

Maresca claimed on Friday that reports he could replace Pep Guardiola as Manchester City boss were “100 percent speculation”.

City have reportedly placed Maresca on a list of candidates should Guardiola walk away at the end of the season.

The City link came after Maresca appeared to criticise a lack of support from the Chelsea hierarchy.

Maresca, who is under contract under 2029, said after last weekend’s win over Everton that the previous 48 hours had been his worst at the club because he and his players had not received the support he expected during a difficult run of results.

There has been criticism this season of Chelsea’s rotation policy, which at times has left the team looking disjointed and poorly organised.

- Jig of delight -

After making 11 changes for the League Cup quarter-final win at third-tier Cardiff on Tuesday, Maresca reverted to his senior stars, but they made a dismal start on foggy Tyneside.

Woltemade was clearly determined to find redemption after his own goal condemned the Magpies to a 1-0 defeat at bitter rivals Sunderland last weekend.

The fired-up German striker took just four minutes to make the impact he desired.

Jacob Murphy’s cross reached Anthony Gordon at the far post and when his shot was pushed out by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, the ball fell kindly for Woltemade to slot into the empty net from five yards.

Maresca was left to rue Chelsea’s woeful defending as Woltemade celebrated only his second goal in his last 12 games in all competitions.

Unable to handle Newcastle’s intensity, Chelsea fell further behind in the 20th minute.

Gordon was given too much time by Chelsea’s sloppy defence and the winger delivered a pin-point cross that invited a finishing touch.

Woltemade obliged, sticking out a boot to poke home from close range before a lengthy VAR check confirmed the German was just onside.

With Chelsea in disarray, Gordon and Woltemade carved open them yet again on the stroke of half-time, but on this occasion the German somehow volleyed wide when it seemed easier to score.

Maresca’s half-time team talk had the desired effect as James reduced the deficit in the 49th minute with a sublime free-kick that flashed past Newcastle ‘keeper Aaron Ramsdale.

Crucially, Newcastle were controversially denied a penalty after Trevoh Chalobah’s barge into Gordon.

Eddie Howe’s team have been ravaged by defensive injuries in recent weeks, with Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Sven Botman and Tino Livramento all sidelined.

And Chelsea finally began to exploit Newcastle’s weakness at the back as Pedro Neto’s blast brought a brilliant stop from Ramsdale.

The visitors’ pressure was rewarded with a superb 66th-minute equaliser as Joao Pedro cleverly headed Sanchez’s long kick past Malick Thiaw before racing into the Newcastle area for a clinical low finish.

Maresca’s relief was palpable as he danced a jubilant jig on the touchline.

Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim believes Manchester United can win the Premier League far sooner than the 10 or 11 years that Alex Ferguson fears it could take.

The Red Devils have failed to add to their 20 English league titles since the Scot bowed out as a champion in 2013.

Ferguson recently told Press Box PR that he felt United are “now in the same situation” as Liverpool were when they went 30 years without winning the title.

The club great said it “could be 10 years, 11 years” until the Premier League trophy returns to Old Trafford, but Amorim is confident it will not take that long.

“He understands football more than me, especially English football,” the current United boss told reporters on Friday.

“I think we are not (going to take that) long to win a league. And I don’t know which manager is going to be here.

“But I truly believe that we can fight for the title in the next (few) years. And I think it’s not going to take so many years.”

United are sixth in the Premier League table ahead of Sunday’s match against third-placed Aston Villa after an inconsistent season so far.

Amorim was also asked at his pre-match press conference for his reaction to comments given by Bruno Fernandes to Portuguese media, in which the club captain said United had wanted to sell him in the summer transfer window.

Fernandes said Amorim still had him in his plans, which had convinced him to stay at Old Trafford, but he said he had been hurt by the stance of the club’s hierarchy.

Amorim said his Portuguese compatriot, who joined United in 2020, had “said what he’s feeling”.

“Of course, we can avoid these things because we already know the noise, but he talked with the board and I think everything is clear,” said the United boss.

Fernandes also suggested not everybody defended United the way he does.

“I don’t know if it’s fair,” said Amorim. “He just spoke about his feelings. He needs to answer to that, it’s not me.

“I think he’s an example that he gives everything. He puts everything on the line in every training session and every match. In that department, he’s special.”

Agencies