Chelsea Fall To Second Place After Draw At Newcastle

When will they learn, and what are these Dutchies made of?

As van der Vaart used the advertising boards behind the goal to stop his forward momentum, the midfielder was seen holding his hamstring as the change was being readied. Nearing the 25th minute of action, the score remains 0-0 at White Hart Lane.

1-1 at the half seems to be a fair enough scoreline in a game that has played out more conservative than open and free flowing. Andy Carroll continues to be brilliant for Newcastle. His ability to win headers high up the pitch and flick the ball on towards Shola Ameobi remains Newcastle’s most potent option in attack. For now at least, Chelsea have little answer for the England striker.

With the goal, Carroll has scored his ninth league goal of the season as Newcastle look to rebound from last weekend’s 1-5 defeat away to Bolton. In other news of note at St James’ Park, Newcastle are without both of their first choice center backs due to suspension (Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson) and have been forced to start Steven Taylor and Sol Campbell in the heart of defense.