Chelsea saved Enzo Maresca from more embarrassing questions by coming back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Newcastle on Saturday.
Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade scored twice in the first half at St. James’ Park, putting Maresca’s side in danger of a heavy defeat.
Chelsea fought back after the break, thanks to Reece James’ brilliant free kick and Joao Pedro’s eye-catching solo goal.
Chelsea is still fourth in the Premier League after just winning one of their last five games.
But the Blues’ tenacious comeback was critical for Maresca following a tumultuous week that sparked concerns about the Italian’s long-term future at the club.
Maresca said on Friday that speculations he could replace Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager were “100% speculation.”
According to reports, City has put Maresca on a list of contenders in case Guardiola leaves at the end of the season.
Maresca appeared to bemoan a lack of support from the Chelsea administration, prompting the City link.
Maresca, who is under contract until 2029, stated after last weekend’s triumph against Everton that the previous 48 hours had been his toughest at the club because he and his players had not had the support they needed during a difficult run of results.
This season, Chelsea’s rotation method has been criticized for making the team appear disjointed and disorganized at times.
After making 11 changes for Tuesday’s League Cup quarter-final triumph over third-tier Cardiff, Maresca returned to his senior players, but they struggled on foggy Tyneside.
Woltemade was clearly determined to make amends after his own goal led the Magpies to a 1-0 loss to arch rivals Sunderland last Saturday.
The fired-up German attacker needed only four minutes to make his desired impression.
Jacob Murphy’s cross found Anthony Gordon at the far post, and after his shot was turned out by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, the ball fell pleasantly for Woltemade to slot into an empty net from five yards out.
Maresca was left to lament Chelsea’s poor defending as Woltemade scored only his second goal in the last 12 games in all competitions.
Chelsea fell farther behind in the 20th minute after failing to cope with Newcastle’s intensity.
Gordon was afforded too much time by Chelsea’s poor defense, and the winger sent a pinpoint cross that beckoned a finish.
Woltemade obliged, stretching out a boot to poke home from close range after a lengthy VAR check confirmed the German was just onside.
With Chelsea in disarray, Gordon and Woltemade cut them open once more on the stroke of halftime, but this time the German volleyed wide when it appeared easier to score.
Maresca’s halftime team talk had the desired impact, as James cut the deficit in the 49th minute with a magnificent free kick that flew past Newcastle goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
Crucially, Newcastle were controversially denied a penalty for Trevoh Chalobah’s push into Gordon.
Eddie Howe’s club has been hit hard by defensive injuries in recent weeks, with Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Sven Botman, and Tino Livramento all sidelined.
Chelsea finally began to attack Newcastle’s defensive frailty, with Pedro Neto’s shot forcing a superb save from Ramsdale.
The visitors’ pressure was rewarded with a magnificent 66th-minute equalizer from Joao Pedro, who smartly headed Sanchez’s long ball past Malick Thiaw before racing into the Newcastle area for a perfect low finish.
Maresca’s pleasure was evident as he executed a jubilant jig on the sideline.
