Chelsea leaves it late to draw 2-2 at Newcastle

Posted September 26, 2015 7:00 am

The Associated Press

Newcastle United's Ayoze Perez celebrates his goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James' Park, Newcastle, England, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell) The Associated Press

NEWCASTLE, England (AP) - Chelsea needed two late goals to salvage a 2-2 draw at Newcastle on Saturday as the Premier League champions continued to struggle in their title defense.

Spanish striker Ayoze Perez put Newcastle ahead in the 42nd minute and Georginio Wijnaldum headed a second goal in the 60th as a Newcastle side tipped for relegation defied all the odds at St. James' Park.

But just as Steve McClaren's men sensed a first league win of the season, Ramires came off the bench to unleash a shot that rocketed into the Newcastle net in the 78th minute.

Chelsea piled on the pressure and equalized when Willian's free kick in the 86th eluded everyone waiting in the box.

Ramires nearly headed a winner three minutes later, but was denied by goalkeeper Tim Krul.

Chelsea's Gary Cahill, bottom, vies for the ball with Newcastle United's Aleksandar Mitrovic, top, during the English Premier League soccer match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James' Park, Newcastle, England, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell) The Associated Press

Chelsea's manager Jose Mourinho awaits the start of the English Premier League soccer match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James' Park, Newcastle, England, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell) The Associated Press

Article Categories
Content Providers MLS Pro Sports Soccer Sports Sports Leagues Sports Types