Table-topping Chelsea stuttered against Newcastle United but still managed to record a 2-0 win in this afternoon's Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge.
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The hosts were composed in the opening stages, passing the ball around confidently, but the Magpies were first to register a chance on goal when Moussa Sissoko scuffed a shot into the hands of Petr Cech.
This appeared to unsettle the Blues, as the visitors slowly worked their way into the game and threatened twice in as many minutes.
Ayoze Perez came within a whisker of latching onto Paul Dummett's cross before Remy Cabella saw a goal-bound shot deflected wide by John Terry.
Just before the half-hour mark, Yoan Gouffran tested Cech with a stinging drive, but moments later, Chelsea countered as Nemanja Matic picked out Oscar on the right of the area, with his effort flying just wide of the far post.
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Nevertheless, Newcastle pushed forward again, as Sissoko marauded down the right flank before cutting inside and striking a shot that cannoned off the Blues post.
However, it was the hosts who took the lead against the run of play in the 43rd minute when Branislav Ivanovic crossed low into the area to the unmarked Oscar, who duly slotted home.
Just before the hour, the Blues doubled their lead when Oscar's inventive flick found Diego Costa inside the area, and the Spain striker made no mistake from close range by firing past Tim Krul.
Newcastle dusted themselves off and pushed forward once again, though the Chelsea defence was able to keep the Magpies attacks at bay.
In the 79th minute, Costa was able to weave his way around several Newcastle defenders before seeing his shot deflected over the bar.
Aside from that foray, Chelsea were happy to see the game out with a two-goal cushion and secured all three points to remain two points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Giuseppe Labellarte
