Chelsea got out of jail at St. James' Park as two late goals saved their blushes against Newcastle.
Strikes from Brazilian duo Ramires and Willian cancelled out earlier goals from Ayoze Perez and Georginio Wijnaldum that looked to have the Magpies cruising.
Newcastle stood firm as their back four and midfield frustrated Chelsea for most of the game, with Loic Remy going close in the first half, but that was as good as it would get in the first 45 minutes for the Blues as Newcastle knicked a goal just before half-time.
Vurnon Anita'a long cross into the box was well controlled by Ayoze Perez before he turned and fired past Courtois into the Chelsea net.
The Magpies carried that momentum with them as they doubled their lead on the hour mark through Georginio Wijnaldum, as he stooped low to head home Perez's corner.
Wijnaldum killing Chelsea dreams of staying up this season... pic.twitter.com/obhpR2GNhd
— Copa90 (@Copa90) September 26, 2015
Newcastle were in control of the game as the excitement began to peter out, and you would have been forgiven for thinking that that was that, but cue the Chelsea comeback.
First, Ramires pulled a goal back with a stunning strike from 25 yards after Eden Hazard cut back in from the left wing.
It set up a tense finale at St. James' Park and it proved too much for Newcastle to deal with as a fortuitous Willian goal levelled matters.
Retweeted Vines & Actu Foot (@vinesfoot): But de Willian pour Chelsea, 2-2. #NEWCHE https://t.co/IsKsrmXdP5 http://t.co/qIYZjgmw5Z
— KeloBonInfo © (@KeloBonInfo) September 26, 2015
Overall it was a poor game with not a lot of quality on show, apart from the goals. Steve McClaren and Newcastle will be gutted they couldn't take all three points while Jose Mourinho will be delighted to get something out of a game they were never really in until the end, even if he doesn't show it in the post-match interview.
The result leaves Newcastle with 3 points and in 19th position, with Chelsea on 8 points in 15th position.
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