“I Can’t Believe It Wasn’t Given!” — Eddie Howe Blasts Ref as Chelsea Snatch Dramatic 2-2 Draw at St James’ Park

 

 

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe expressed his frustration after Chelsea fought back to claim a 2-2 draw at St James’ Park on Saturday, insisting that his side was denied a “stonewall” penalty during the second half. The incident occurred in the 53rd minute when Trevoh Chalobah challenged Anthony Gordon, with referee Andy Madley and VAR official Peter Bankes opting not to award a spot-kick.

 

“I think it’s a clear penalty. I think anywhere else on the pitch, that’s a free-kick,” Howe told TNT Sports. “I think the player has got into Anthony aggressively, too aggressively in my opinion, so I think it’s a stonewall.”

 

 

 

The Newcastle head coach added his disbelief after the VAR decision was upheld. “When it went to VAR, I thought: ‘This is going to be overturned, it’s a clear error.’ It’s as clear a penalty as I’ve seen. The defender only focuses on Ant. They said it’s shielding, but I don’t agree with that analysis. I’m really disappointed that wasn’t given.”

 

Newcastle’s Explosive Start

Newcastle looked determined to shake off the disappointment of last week’s 3-1 defeat to Sunderland. The Magpies raced to a 2-0 lead inside 20 minutes, with Nick Woltemade scoring twice. The first came from close range after Robert Sanchez blocked a shot from Anthony Gordon, with Woltemade reacting fastest to smash home the rebound. He then doubled his tally with a neatly timed finish from a Gordon cross.

 

The early dominance showcased Newcastle’s pace and intensity, and it seemed the Magpies might run away with the game. Howe praised his team’s first-half display despite the eventual draw: “It’s tinged with huge disappointment for us. I’m really disappointed for the players. We deserved to win that game, in my opinion anyway. The only real disappointment in the first half – because I think it’s the best we’ve played – is that we weren’t further ahead. We had the chances and played with real energy, intensity and quality. It was great to see us creating the big moments in the penalty box. It’s a huge disappointment we haven’t won the game with the effort we’ve given.”

 

Chelsea’s Second-Half Response

Enzo Maresca’s Half-Time Fury Sparks Chelsea Fightback at Newcastle

 

Chelsea responded after the break with impressive determination, highlighted by Reece James’s spectacular free-kick in the 49th minute. The strike gave the Blues momentum, allowing them to gradually impose themselves on the game. A much-improved second-half display culminated in João Pedro’s 66th-minute goal, capitalising on a slip from Malick Thiaw to level the scores.

 

Manager Enzo Maresca praised his side’s resilience in adversity. “I think after the first half, they deserved to win the game, for sure. From my point of view after the second half, we deserved to win the game,” Maresca said. “After the second goal we scored, we had three or four clear chances to score one more. They also had one with Harvey Barnes – that is the only one I remember as a real chance – but overall, I think the draw is correct.”

 

A Week of Mixed Emotions for Maresca

Maresca’s tenure at Chelsea has been under scrutiny, especially with speculation linking him to Manchester City should Pep Guardiola depart. Despite the off-field drama, Maresca remained positive about the results: “My last week has not been complicated, it has been good. We beat Everton, we beat Cardiff and we drew with Newcastle away, so in terms of results, I’m happy. Again, there are things that for sure we can do better, but I think we’re going in the right direction.”

 

Chelsea’s performance at St James’ Park highlighted their growing character and ability to respond under pressure, while Newcastle will be left frustrated by the missed penalty and the inability to hold on to their early lead. Howe’s outspoken comments are likely to spark further debate about refereeing decisions, while both sides now look forward to their upcoming fixtures with renewed focus.

 

The draw maintains Chelsea’s position in the Premier League table while Newcastle will reflect on what might have been, particularly the contentious decision that Howe insists could have changed the outcome of the game.