CHELSEA became the first team to take three points away from St James' Park this season, following a hard-battled and character-filled win.
The 3-0 scoreline flattered Chelsea, who often lacked defensive authority, but boss Andre Villas-Boas will be delighted with the result.
It all could have been very different from the off, when a David Luiz lunge on Demba Ba, could easily have seen a red card on the edge of the Blues box. Mike Dean, perhaps benevolently, issued only a caution for the tackle.
But that incident was to be a taster of a rough and tumble game, in which Chelsea were largely responsible or the rough, and Newcastle unexpectedly those suffering the tumbles.
That until the quarter hour when Daniel Sturridge, dancing into the box, was clipped by Yohan Cabaye. Over went Sturridge, and Dean pointed to the spot.
Frank Lampard placed the ball softly to the right, and Tim Krul dived to push it onto the post.
It was the most notable of a number of agile saves Krul pulled off during a first half, where he was clearly the best performer on the field. Sturridge, in particular was denied three times in on-on-ones with the keeper.
But a chink was eventually found in the Dutchman's armour when Juan Mata flicked on a 40 th minute Ashley Cole thrown-in for Didier Drogba to head home.
As the second half got underway, Chelsea looked nervous for their lead. At one stage, Drogba headed against his own bar, and at another John Terry cleared off his own line.
Fernando Torres was brough on with 11 minutes to play, and did manageto make an impression. Advancing on the excellent Krul, he sent a soft shot, which rebounded into the path of fellow substitute Saloman Kalou. Kalou's even softer shot was just out of reach of Krul, and it bobbled into the net.
Right at the last, Sturridge finally beat his nemesis to make it three.
December's first must-win game is out of the way. Chese anow only have another six to follow.
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