John Bennett
BBC Final Score reporter at Molineux

I’ve been talking to an ex Wolves player here at Molineux this afternoon who says there’s a feeling amongst the current squad that today is the day when their long winless run finally comes to an end.

He mentioned a spring in the step of the players after their performance at Arsenal.

And he says the atmosphere may be slightly more positive around the ground after the news that Executive Chairman Jeff Shi has stepped down. All that positivity only remains if Wolves make a good start though. It feels like the first 10-15 minutes of this game will be crucial.

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Chelsea

Chelsea striker Joao Pedro speaking to BBC MOTD: "We knew it would be a tough game. We played better than them in the second half, we scored twice and we could have scored more goals. We got a point and we have to move forward. We didn't start well in the first half and we conceded two goals very quickly. They play with the fans and we know it is difficult."

On his goal: "I told him [Robert Sanchez] at half-time to play this ball to me. I controlled the ball in front and I scored a brilliant goal. It was different. I need to learn how to play this kind of game because you cannot draw this sort of game in the Premier League."

Joe Cole
Former Chelsea and England midfielder on TNT Sports

I think on this occasion he's [Trevoh Chalobah] overzealous with the tackle. As it comes in he's the favourite, there's no need to do it, just get there. It's the force of it. I think it's a penalty.

It can be deemed as coming from the side, but the force is the issue.

Newcastle United

Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade, speaking to TNT Sports, on giving up a two-goal lead: "Not good. We played an amazing first half with great energy and pressed really well. But in the second half, we still did quite well but it's unlucky we conceded two goals in two situations from which we normally don't concede.

"If you saw how we played in the first half, we can win against every team, I don't know why we conceded two goals. It happened. We'll keep working on it and maybe next time, we can play 90 minutes like that."

On his double after scoring an own goal against Sunderland last week: "Last week was not a good week or good game for me. When I came into the [Carabao Cup] game on Wednesday, the crowd sang my name which was so lovely. It was amazing and I knew they still liked me even when I scored the own goal. I wanted to give a good performance today and I think I did. I just want to say thank you to the fans for still being good with me."

Retired Premier League official Darren Cann talking to BBC Sport: “At normal speed I can understand why the referee didn’t award a penalty. Chalobah certainly takes a risk in making such a challenge because there’s clear contact with Gordon.

"So the decision was right to be reviewed by VAR, who came to the conclusion that a clear and obvious error had not been made and stayed with the on-field decision of no penalty. I do think that had a penalty been given, I believe the VAR would have stuck with that decision too. So this comes down to “referee’s call”.

Glenn Murray
Former Brighton striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

For me Sunderland have done enough to this point. It would be a worry [losing players to AFCON] if they were closer to the bottom three. It's just two main starters that they are losing.

Also this is not a surprise, this is something they will have accounted for. They knew when they signed the players that AFCON was going on in this period, so I'm sure they will be braced for it.

Sunderland

Image source, Getty Images

Can Sunderland start planning for another season in the Premier League?

The Black Cats, tipped by many before the start of the season to make a quick-fire return to the Championship, have already pocketed 26 points from their first 16 top-flight matches.

Last season 26 points would have kept you up.

It's been a highly impressive return to the Premier League for Sunderland, who could climb to fourth today if results go their way.

Brighton & Hove Albion

Image source, Getty Images

This is Brighton's final Premier League home game of 2025.

Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City have all lost at the Amex during the calendar year, with the Seagulls picking up 33 points from 18 matches in front of their own fans.

However, Fabian Hurzeler's side head into this one without a home win since 22 November.

They were fifth in the table after winning at Nottingham Forest on 30 November but start the weekend in 10th spot.

Wolves

Wolves are winless in their last 20 Premier League games, a run including three draws and 17 defeats.

There have only been four longer winless runs in the competition’s history, with only one of those runs coming without suffering relegation in between. Derby County didn't win any of their last 32 games in 2007-08.

Rob Edwards' side are already 14 points adrift of safety after drawing two and losing 14 of their 16 games this term.

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter at Molineux

The atmosphere at Molineux will be intriguing after the exit of executive chairman Jeff Shi.

He had become a divisive figure and the target of abuse from fans, with many boycotting the opening 15 minutes of the 4-1 defeat to Manchester United last week.

Wolves fans want to see more change but owners Fosun have no immediate plans to sell the club, instead looking for minority investment.

But with Shi now gone the fans who had chanted for him to leave have got their wish and the atmosphere, which had become toxic, could improve.

Ally McCoist
Former Rangers striker on TNT Sports

Might just be the best game I've seen this season. Newcastle in the first half, I can't tell you how good they were.

You have to give Chelsea credit [for the comeback].

I'm buzzing with the game of football we've watched.

Pat Nevin
Former Chelsea winger on BBC Radio 5 Live at St. James' Park

Disappointment for Newcastle. Is it a fair result? Just about, Chelsea looked loads better in the second half. The amount of running covered in this half, I don't think you'll see more this season.

Ally McCoist
Former Rangers striker on TNT Sports

I'm not giving it.

Is there a wee tug? There might be a wee tug but I'm not giving it.

A fantastic watch for the neutral but there's boos at full time from the home fans, they will feel aggrieved at many key decisions seeming to go against them.

Image source, Reuters

Video Assistant Referee - possible red cardpublished at 14:27 GMT 20 December 2025

14:27 GMT 20 December 2025

Newcastle 2-2 Chelsea

Now VAR will take a look at that incident, but the check doesn't take long and the on field decision remains - no red card.

Boos ring out around St James' Park because the home fans feel Reece James pulled down Harvey Barnes when he was about to go through on goal.

Nothing is given and then Chelsea almost score themselves...

Image source, Getty Images

Both sides are pushing all they can to the end here, neither side is settling for a point.