Reece James Leads Chelsea Comeback in 2-2 Draw at Newcastle

Chelsea 2-2 Newcastle | Premier League

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That 90 minutes at St James’ Park felt like an eternity for Chelsea supporters, eventually ending Newcastle United 2-2 Chelsea.

The Blues will take some encouragement from the way they responded, but that shouldn’t mask what can only be described as an abysmal first half. Two goals conceded inside the opening 20 minutes left Chelsea staring down the barrel — and Newcastle in full control.

Something had to change. And it did.

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Maresca’s Half-Time Intervention Pays Off

When Chelsea emerged from the tunnel after the break, the tone was unmistakably different.

Enzo Maresca clearly delivered a message that landed. The tempo improved, the aggression returned, and Chelsea finally began to impose themselves on the contest.

You can be sure that was down in part to the manager — but according to Alan Shearer, one player’s influence went beyond tactics and talk.

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Alan Shearer Singles Out Reece James

As painful as the match was from a Chelsea perspective, it at least showcased mentality and fight. Coming back from two goals down away from home is no small thing.

Shearer, watching from the Newcastle end, was quick to identify the turning point.

Writing in the Premier League live blog, the former England striker said:

“If you ever need evidence of goals changing games, that’s exactly what happened to Chelsea following Reece James’ free kick. It just flipped.”

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“Newcastle Couldn’t Get Near Them”

Shearer went further, highlighting just how dramatic the swing was after James found the net:

“Newcastle couldn’t get near that Chelsea team. Chelsea moved it a lot quicker; they had more width, their wingers got into the game and started asking questions — they didn’t do that in the first half.”

In truth, Newcastle had bullied Chelsea off the pitch for the opening 30 minutes. It took those 15 minutes in the dressing room for the Blues to realise they needed to bully back.

They walked a fine line physically — but crucially, stayed on the right side of it.

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Reece James on That Free-Kick

After the game, James spoke to TNT Sports, reflecting on the moment that changed everything:

“I have been taking free-kicks all my life. To execute one when we needed to pull something out the bag was a great feeling.”

“Many teams come here and the atmosphere gets the better of them”

Reece James reacts to Chelsea's second-half comeback at St James’ Park 🗣️@julesbreach | @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/scLLTPul2X

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 20, 2025

Chelsea needed exactly that — a moment of leadership, quality, and belief.

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A Captain’s Performance

James’ influence wasn’t limited to one dead-ball strike. On both sides of the ball, he was outstanding — driving Chelsea forward while helping steady things defensively.

Others deserve credit too. Robert Sánchez made vital saves, while João Pedro played his part in the comeback. But this felt like a night defined by Chelsea’s captain.

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Final Word

This was a frustrating evening, no doubt. The slow start nearly cost Chelsea dearly, and questions will remain about those recurring first-half issues.

But if there was a silver lining, it was this:
Reece James reminded everyone why he is so central to Chelsea’s identity.

When the Blues needed someone to drag them back into the fight — he answered.

Reece James Leads Chelsea Comeback in 2-2 Draw at Newcastle