The Magpies dominated the first half after Nick Woltemade tapped in from close range just minutes into the match. The Germany international doubled the host nation’s lead in the twentieth minute and could have scored another goal before half-time, but missed a golden opportunity in front of goal.
Chelsea bounced back strongly in the second half as Reece James got Newcastle back with a fantastic goal from a direct free-kick shortly after the restart.
Robert Sanchez launched the ball 60 yards to pick out Joao Pedro, who chested the ball, weaved his way past Malick Thiaw and into the penalty area before passing it under Aaron Ramsdale for the equalizer.
“After the first half they definitely deserved to win the game, but after the second half we deserved to win the game,” Maresca said at his post-match press conference. “After the second goal was scored, we had three or four chances to win it.
“Certainly there are things we can do better in the first half, but the character and togetherness in the second half. It’s not easy with this noise and this environment. Not many teams can do that.”
Maresca explains Chelsea’s bad half after Newcastle’s comeback
Asked why Chelsea were so bad in the first half, Maresca said: “The key for me was the goal we conceded. After three minutes you concede a goal and the game goes the way they want. We scored twice in the second half and could have scored more goals. We made some adjustments at half-time. It’s not easy to come back to this stadium.”
“From the bench I could see that the plan we had drawn up was the right one. My message at half-time was: continue with what we are doing.”
The Italian added: “We won against Everton, reached a semi-final and drew against Newcastle, which is always an important result. I am happy with the players’ reaction.”
Read – Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca makes job cuts at Man City
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