Chelseas comeback secures Newcastle draw and lifts burden from Maresca
Chelsea spared Enzo Maresca additional tough scrutiny by staging a recovery from a two goal deficit to claim a 2-2 stalemate with Newcastle on Saturday.
Marescas team faced the threat of a harmful loss following Nick Woltemades brace in the opening period at St James Park.
However Chelsea responded post break via Reece Jamess impressive set piece and Joao Pedros striking individual run.
Chelsea hold onto fourth spot in the Premier League following a subpar sequence of only one victory in their previous five league outings.
Yet the Blues resilient response proved vital for Maresca amid a chaotic week that sparked doubts over the Italians extended tenure at the club.
Maresca stated on Friday that suggestions of him succeeding Pep Guardiola at Manchester City were entirely baseless rumours.
City are said to have included Maresca among potential options if Guardiola departs at seasons end.
This City connection emerged after Maresca seemed to highlight insufficient backing from Chelseas leadership.
Maresca contracted until 2029 remarked post last weekends triumph over Everton that the prior two days marked his roughest at the club due to lacking anticipated assistance for himself and his squad during a challenging spell.
Season long critiques have targeted Chelseas squad rotation approach which occasionally renders the side fragmented and lacking structure.
Dance of joy
Following eleven alterations for the League Cup last eight victory over lower division Cardiff on Tuesday Maresca returned to his key players though they endured a poor beginning in the misty atmosphere of Tyneside.
Woltemade showed clear resolve to atone after his own goal led to a 1-0 loss against fierce opponents Sunderland the prior weekend.
The energised German forward needed merely four minutes to achieve his aim.
Jacob Murphys delivery arrived at Anthony Gordon near the back post and after his effort was parried by Chelsea shot stopper Robert Sanchez the rebound suited Woltemade perfectly to tap in from close range into the unguarded goal.
Maresca had cause to lament Chelseas poor backline work as Woltemade notched just his second strike across his past twelve appearances in various competitions.
Struggling against Newcastles pressing Chelsea trailed by more in the 20th minute.
Gordon enjoyed excessive space courtesy of Chelseas lax rearguard and the wide man supplied a precise pass begging for a touch.
Woltemade delivered prodding the ball home from near distance before an extended VAR review verified the German was marginally onside.
As Chelsea floundered Gordon and Woltemade breached them once more right before the interval but this time the German astonishingly scuffed a volley astray despite an apparent simpler finish.
Marescas interval address worked as James halved the gap in the 49th minute courtesy of a stunning free kick that evaded Newcastle custodian Aaron Ramsdale.
Importantly Newcastle saw a spot kick claim rejected after Trevoh Chalobahs challenge on Gordon.
Eddie Howes squad has suffered from backline ailments lately with Kieran Trippier Dan Burn Sven Botman and Tino Livramento all out.
Chelsea at last capitalised on Newcastles rear frailties as Pedro Netos effort drew a fine save from Ramsdale.
The away sides mounting assault paid off with a fine 66th minute leveller when Joao Pedro smartly nodded Sanchezs clearance beyond Malick Thiaw then dashed into the Newcastle box to slot home neatly.
Marescas evident relief showed as he performed an ecstatic jig along the sideline.