Willian salvages point for Chelsea
After Magpies take two-goal lead in thrilling encounter
Ayoze Perez gave the Magpies a first-half lead in what was a gritty affair, before Georginio Wijnaldum doubled their advantage before the hour mark.
It looked as though the Magpies would be claiming their first three points of the season until substitutes Ramires and Willian both scored to earn a share of the spoils.
The result will leave more questions surrounding Steve McClaren and Jose Mourinho as the pressure grows on both.
It was a scrappy start from both sides with Chelsea coming the closest as the ball was fired in to Loic Remy, who instinctively stuck out a foot but sent his shot just wide of the near post.
Aleksandar Mitrovic had the best chance for the hosts as he linked with fellow summer signing Wijnaldum, but his looping header dropped wide of the goal.
Newcastle continued to force the issue and Asmir Begovic was forced into action twice in a matter of seconds as first Perez and then Daryl Janmaat were denied.
Attacking-wise, Chelsea looked completely devoid of ideas as Cesc Fabregas reverted to taking aim from range, and he almost beat Tim Krul with a drive after 38 minutes.
Then just before half time, Perez broke the deadlock with a fantastic volley as he made the most of a lack of communication between Branislav Ivanovic and Kurt Zouma.
The Spaniard produced a fantastic bit of skill to bring down the long, lofted punt before firing in off the post to give the Magpies a well-deserved half-time lead.
Chelsea came out after the break with a look of intent and within five minutes they almost found the equaliser through former Newcastle-man Remy, if not for a wonderful reaction save from Krul to push it to safety.
The Blues continued to probe until, on 59 minutes, Newcastle doubled their lead as Perez turned provider for Wijnaldum from a corner.
The Dutchman wrestled some space in the area before glancing the ball past a helpless Begovic into the bottom corner.
Again Chelsea did not give up and kept pressing forward and eventually they got their goal through the substitute Ramires.
The Brazilian picked the ball up 25 yards out, following a lovely bit of skill from Eden Hazard, and lashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner.
And remarkably, Chelsea were level after 86 minutes as Willian curled in a dangerous free kick towards Ramires which found its way straight into the back of the net.
Replays showed Ramires didn’t get a touch on the ball but his presence was enough to put off Krul.
It was a poor performance from the champions but the Newcastle faithful will be distraught to see the manner in which their team relinquished their two goal lead.
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