´It´s as clear a penalty as I´ve seen´ – Howe left furious following Chelsea draw

Eddie Howe cut a frustrated figure after Newcastle United were denied what he believed to be a “clear” penalty in their 2-2 draw with Chelsea on Saturday.

The Magpies made an electric start at St James’ Park, with Nick Woltemade putting them two goals up inside the opening 20 minutes.

But the Blues fought back in the second half, courtesy of a well-struck free-kick from Reece James, before Joao Pedro levelled the scores in the 66th minute.

One of the biggest talking points for Howe, though, was a challenge from Trevoh Chalobah on Anthony Gordon inside the box in the 53rd minute that went unpunished.

Referee Andy Madley waved away calls for a penalty on the field, with his decision upheld following a VAR review.

“Anywhere else on the pitch, that’s a blatant free-kick,” Howe said after the match.

“When it went to VAR, I thought, ‘This is going to be overturned, it’s a clear error.’ It’s as clear a penalty as I’ve seen.

“The defender only focuses on Ant. They said it’s shielding, but I don’t agree with that analysis. I’m really disappointed that wasn’t given.”

Thank you for your magnificent backing at St. James’ Park this afternoon

Have a wonderful Christmas and we’ll see you at Old Trafford on Boxing Day pic.twitter.com/Y4gyXpiica

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 20, 2025

Saturday’s contest proved to be a game of two halves. Newcastle dominated the first, registering seven shots (five on target) to Chelsea’s four (none on target), creating six big chances to none and producing an expected goals (xG) total of 1.97 to 0.24.

After the break, though, Enzo Maresca’s side led in shots with nine attempts (four on target) to Newcastle’s four (none on target) with an xG of 1.02 to 0.29.

Newcastle initially showed no signs of rust from last Sunday’s narrow Tyne-Wear derby defeat, much to Howe’s delight, though he admitted the end result left a bitter taste.

“It’s tinged with huge disappointment for us. I’m really disappointed for the players. We deserved to win that game, in my opinion anyway,” he continued.

“The only real disappointment in the first half – because I think it’s the best we’ve played – is that we weren’t further ahead.

“We had the chances and played with real energy, intensity and quality. It was great to see us creating the big moments in the penalty box.

“It’s a huge disappointment we haven’t won the game with the effort we’ve given.”