Newcastle 2-2 Chelsea: Highlights and 5 Talking Points
Jose Mourinho’s side are 15th in the table with only eight points from seven gamesDefending champions Chelsea went into the match against Newcastle at St James’ Park, knowing the home side were yet to win a league match this season. Jose Mourinho had never won this fixture as Chelsea manager, but considering the circumstances this was his best chance.Chelsea started the match in lacklustre fashion as it was the home side that sprung to life. Ayoze Perez opened the scoring after Chelsea defenders were caught napping in front of goal. The Blues came back after the restart and pinned Newcastle into their own half as they went in search of an equalizer, but the Magpies managed to double their lead after Wijnaldum headed in from a poorly defended corner.Mourinho made changes and it worked as Chelsea fought back to earn a point in the end thanks to goals from Ramires and Willian. Here are the highlights and talking points.
#1 Zouma is talented but will need time
Kurt Zouma has been a revelation at Chelsea. And after managing to impress his manager, he has played all league matches for the club this season. He possesses immense potential which is evident in his aerial duels and tackles, which he does with conviction and confidence that is rare for a defender of his age.
But what he seems to lack is experience. John Terry was benched again and whether Mourinho got that decision right is up for debate as both Branislav Ivanovic and Zouma were caught ball-watching as Ayoze Perez came from behind unnoticed to give Newcastle the lead.
Terry’s leadership qualities were sorely missed in a match like this where the opposition clearly weren’t in form and all Chelsea had to do was to stick to the basics. Terry could have dealt with Aleksandar Mitrovic’s physicality, whereas Zouma’s pace was not exactly required in a game such as this.