Eddie Howe is synonymous with tidiness, efficiency, time management and control. Given that there is absolutely nothing slapdash, careless or wasteful about Newcastle’s manager his team’s increasing penchant for losing control is proving the most puzzling of paradoxes.
Newcastle have developed a bad habit of throwing leads away this season and, 2-0 up thanks to a Nick Woltemade double, they were at it again here. Second-half goals from Reece James – who was outstanding at both ends – and João Pedro ensured a much-improved Chelsea atoned for an abject first 45 minutes by departing with a point that could conceivably been three. Newcastle have now dropped 13 points from winning positions this season.
At least it began well for the home side. All too often this term, they have started games in self-destructively half a yard off the pace mode, while Anthony Gordon has frequently flattered to deceive.
For once, it was different. Four minutes were on the clock when Gordon pickpocketed Wesley Fofana and the ball was worked out to the right wing where Jacob Murphy’s cross prefaced Gordon forcing Robert Sánchez into a save.
When Chelsea’s goalkeeper could only parry that effort, Woltemade lashed the rebound home. Six days after the Germany striker’s decisive own goal in a derby defeat at Sunderland, all sides of St James’ Park sung his name.
