Nick Woltemade took his first steps on the road to redemption following his Wear-Tyne derby nightmare, scoring twice but crucially spurning a great chance to put the result beyond doubt before half-time. Chelsea took full advantage of their reprieve as a stunning James free-kick halved the deficit at the outset of the second half before Joao Pedro levelled 25 minutes from time. The second goal soon arrived. After Palmer was fouled 25 yards from goal, James curled an exquisite free-kick over the wall and in off Aaron Ramsdale's right-hand post to spark the comeback. From a long Sanchez clearance, Joao Pedro out-muscled Malick Thiaw to burst through on goal and slot his side's second beneath Ramsdale.

Source: Irish Examiner December 20, 2025 17:42 UTC