Eddie Howe: Newcastle were denied ‘clear penalty’ against Chelsea

Eddie Howe: Newcastle were denied ‘clear penalty’ against Chelsea

Eddie Howe cut a frustrated figure after Newcastle United were denied what he described as a “stonewall” penalty in their 2-2 Premier League draw with Chelsea, a decision he felt proved pivotal.

Referee Andy Madley dismissed appeals for a spot-kick following Trevoh Chalobah’s challenge on Anthony Gordon early in the second half, a call later upheld by VAR official Peter Bankes. The decision left Howe visibly baffled on the touchline.

The Newcastle boss insisted the incident was a foul anywhere else on the pitch and was convinced VAR would intervene. He argued that Chalobah made no attempt to play the ball, focusing solely on Gordon, and rejected suggestions the defender was merely shielding possession. Howe admitted his disappointment at what he felt was an obvious error.

Newcastle responded emphatically after last weekend’s derby defeat at Sunderland, bursting into life and racing into a two-goal lead inside the opening 20 minutes. Nick Woltemade opened the scoring from close range after Robert Sánchez could only parry Gordon’s initial effort, before doubling his tally moments later with a composed finish from Gordon’s cross.

However, the contest swung dramatically after the interval. Reece James pulled Chelsea back into the game with a precise free-kick four minutes after the restart, before João Pedro capitalised on a slip from Malick Thiaw to equalise midway through the second half.

Reflecting on the outcome, Howe admitted the result felt deeply disappointing, particularly for his players. He felt Newcastle produced their best football of the season in the opening period and should have built a more commanding lead. Despite their intensity, creativity and dominance in key areas, the Magpies were ultimately left ruing missed opportunities.

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, though, believed momentum had swung firmly in his side’s favour after the break and felt they could have claimed all three points.

Maresca acknowledged Newcastle’s first-half superiority but argued Chelsea were the stronger team in the second period. He highlighted several clear chances his side created after drawing level, while suggesting Newcastle only threatened seriously once through Harvey Barnes. In his view, however, the draw was ultimately a fair outcome.

The match capped a noteworthy week for Maresca, who has recently been linked with a potential future vacancy at Manchester City and has faced questions over the level of backing he is receiving from the club.

Despite that speculation, the Italian insisted he has no complaints, pointing to recent victories over Everton and Cardiff City, as well as the draw at St James’ Park. While acknowledging there is room for improvement, Maresca stressed he believes Chelsea are moving in the right direction.