Saturday 4 January 2053
St. James’ Park – Premier Division
Newcastle 2–2 Chelsea
Marcelo 90+4′, Bryan 90+5′ – Sahar 15′, O’Sullivan 82′
Two goals in injury time from Marcelo and Alphonso Bryan rescued an improbable point for Newcastle as they came from 2–0 down to draw 2–2 with league leaders Chelsea at St. James’ Park.
Netanel Sahar opened the scoring early, slotting home from the spot in the 15th minute after a VAR-confirmed foul. Chelsea looked in full control throughout, extending their lead when Kieran O’Sullivan finished a flowing move to make it 2–0 in the 82nd minute. But a late collapse undid it all.
First, Marcelo smashed in a powerful effort on 90+4’ from Coleby Utterson’s cutback, and just 60 seconds later, Alphonso Bryan capitalised on a defensive error from José Francisco Landeira to rifle home the equaliser. Bryan’s 8.1 rating and clinical finish earned him Player of the Match.
Despite dominating possession (55%) and edging xG (1.23 to 1.99), Chelsea were left shellshocked and missed the chance to tighten their grip on top spot.
With Man UFC and Aston Villa also dropping points, Chelsea remain top with 53 points, but this late stumble could prove critical in the title race.
Chelsea XI: Jimenez, Coşkun (booked 10′), Kardec, Civzelis, José, Landeira (assist), Beya, Whatmough, Jenkins, Haigh, Sahar (⚽ 15’).
Subs used: Lahyane, O’Sullivan (⚽ 82’)
Newcastle XI: Camarena, Felipe, Roberto, Sumner, Iversen, Lynge, Bryan (⚽ 90+5’, 8.1 MotM), Whelan, Sanguinetti, Capocchiano, Marcelo (⚽ 90+4’)
Subs used: Cavalli, Villamizar, Utterson (assist)