What a difference the second half made in the grand scheme of the overall match. If the first 45 minutes was the appetizer, then the second half was easily the main course. While neither keeper was tested immensely, both sides enjoyed a myriad of half chances during an open second half while Chelsea looked the more possible winner of the two.
Newcastle Vs. Chelsea: Toon Snatch A Point In Hard-Fought But Entertaining Draw
Chelsea were able to dominate possession in the second half which forced Newcastle manager Chris Houghton to pull Shola Ameobi late on in the 77th and push Andy Carroll back into midfield. Nile Ranger replaced Ameobi and Newcastle were essentially playing for a point in a 4-5-1 formation.
Ranger’s inclusion almost proved a stroke of genius by Houghton when the 19 year old found the ball at his feet with acres of space to run into as Chelsea were spread thin in attack. Lacking any support or enough gusto to push past Chelsea’s defense, Ranger’s contributions were minimal yet still somehow valuable as he attempted to test Chelsea when Newcastle countered.
Having secured four out of a possible 15 points in their last five matches, Chelsea are certainly going through a rough patch still without some key players. While the Champions remain efficient enough to control the flow of play and dominate large spells of the match with good passing and thoughtful attacks, that possession isn’t creating enough clear-cut chances on goal.
Daniel Sturridge came on late for Mikel, an attacker on for a midfielder, but the implementation by Carlo Ancelotti back to Chelsea's preferred 4-3-3 with only ten minutes plus stoppage was a dice roll all too late. Starting a 4-4-2 with Malouda left and Kalou right, and with Drogba and Anelka center, Chelsea lacked the kind of sharpness in attack fans have come to know this season.
Credit to Newcastle on the day though as they kept their shape and defended well without their first choice central defensive pairing. They'll take the point without any fuss while Chelsea will rue missing what solid chances they did have. With the draw, Chelsea concede top spot to Manchester United and are now second spot, level on points with Arsenal but edging the Gunners on goal difference.
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